Late Muhammad Shafi Pandit as I know him

I had the privilege of working with the H.E.L.P foundation that stands for Human Effort For Love & Peace. The foundation started under able guidance of Mrs.Nighat shafi, and late Mr. Shafi Pandit , it was a time when everybody was running for their lives. When people used to even go to purchase milk, there was no guarantee they will come back alive. In those tremulous times this blessed couple started to work for women, orphans and people needing free medicine. The beginning was modest, and only very few people joined the noble cause.

They still remember the time when the team had to travel many miles to reach their destination. Kupwara because of its location was worst hit by turmoil, but H.E.L.P foundations main area of work from 1997 to 2014 remains Kupwara, where a school for orphans, children living BPL and others get quality education in a school named Shan Anwar Memorial School, foundation also conducts regular free medical camps as well as screening for diseases like cancer and diabetes. Mental health counseling is an integral part of H.E.L.P in Kupwara.

They have also set up a women’s self empowerment center where women make a decent living. This  has given employment opportunities to locals of the area. Back in Srinagar at tulsi-bagh foundation has a women’s bank for needy women, a crafts center for women, while in Inderhama there is a well constructed and aesthetic looking orphanage by name of SHEHJAR for orphans, where with formal education special emphasis is given on religious education as well as mental health care of children and women who work in a mini food processing center where women make spices, pickles etc.

H.E.L.P foundation also gives scholarship to needy students as well as training to K.A.S and I.A.S aspirants is done by one of the most brilliant brains of soil and a very well distinguished I.A.S officer Late Mr.Mohammed Shafi Pandit, from where many have successfully qualified and are serving in top notch positions in UT and country. Mr. Shafi Pandit was deeply involved in conducting cancer, diabetes, hypertension screening camps in far flung areas. He always encouraged doctors to visit far flung areas.

Lastly, the H.E.L.P foundation has a unique distinction of working throughout the year and not only during Ramadan, or a few important days of the year like Women's day or Children's day. They work around the year.

We all must contribute to the continuing legacy started by this noble and dedicated couple.

By: Dr Maghrabi Khan