*Kindness will never be forgotten: Embassy
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Mar 23: From jewellery and copper utensils to piggy banks, pocket savings and even vehicles, people in Kashmir are coming together in a spontaneous donation drive for those affected by the ongoing war in Iran.
The grassroots-level donation drive, most prominently seen in areas such as Budgam and Baramulla, which have a large Shia population, has seen people contribute their precious gold, cash, vehicles, as well as household items.
According to residents of these areas, the donation drive is entirely voluntary in nature, with no single entity behind it. The move comes in the wake of the destruction of Iranian infrastructure and the economy due to Israel-US strikes.
In Baramulla, the Shia community has been seen donating their precious items, such as jewellery, cash, and other essentials. According to residents of the area, a large number of women have come forward to contribute their personal jewellery to the cause.
Similar scenes have been witnessed in Budgam, where people are coming together to contribute whatever they can. Some people have even sold their old bicycles and other valuable items to support the cause.
The donation drive has been described as a gesture of solidarity but has also been interpreted in religious and ideological ways. “We do not consider it a war between countries but a war between truth and falsehood. Iran does not need this, but this is our way of showing support,” Imtiyaz Ahmad, a donor said.
Donors also described the drive as inclusive, with everyone in the community involved. “Everyone has come forward, Shia, Sunni, men, and women. Some have donated jewellery, some have sold bicycles, and even a young man has donated his bike.” another donor from Delina area of Baramulla, said.
They also described their contributions as symbolic, acknowledging that the donations are small compared to what Iranians might need. “This is nothing for Iran. We are doing this because we are standing up for the oppressed and against injustice.”
Zehra, 6, from Srinagar donated her piggy bank she has been collecting money for the last three years. “This is for Iran. I have been collecting money in it for the last three years”, she said while handing it over to volunteers.
The Iranian Embassy in India acknowledged the donations in posts shared on the social media platform X, expressing gratitude to the people of Kashmir. “With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten,” the Embassy said.
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