KWT distributes food kits, winter essentials, livelihood support & free medical aid to underprivileged families

• True progress lies in collective responsibility and community support,” say speakers

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Welfare Trust (KWT) successfully organized its annual humanitarian program Mission Wushnare 2025 at Bilaliya Educational Institute, Lal Bazar, Srinagar, as part of its annual winter relief and self-empowerment initiative. The drive, led by KWT Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, reflected the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting underprivileged families across Kashmir through sustainable and dignified means of assistance.

Under this initiative, nearly 400 deserving families from urban and rural areas received comprehensive winter kits that included pherans, thermals, warm clothing, kangris, emergency lights, caps, sweaters and food supplies. The Trust also distributed sewing machines to women beneficiaries to promote self-reliance and vegetable carts to individuals seeking means of livelihood.

The event was graced by Dr. G.N. Qasba, former Commissioner of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, who served as the Chief Guest. Emphasizing the need for sustainable empowerment. He said “Kashmir needs a structured approach where charitable work evolves into capacity building. Instead of one-time relief, long-term employment generation must be the focus to uplift economically weaker families.”

Speaking on the occasion, KWT Chairman Manzoor Wangnoo said, “Empowerment through assistance is our priority. Giving a hand is better than merely giving in hand. As the famous proverb says, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to catch a fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Our mission is to make people self-reliant, not dependent.

KWT also conducted a free medical camp in collaboration with the Help Poor Voluntary Trust (HPVT), providing healthcare consultations and basic medicines to the beneficiaries.

Dr. Mushtaq Margoob, Chairman of SAWAB, appreciated the humanitarian spirit of the Trust. He said Manzoor Wangnoo’s initiatives have always combined empathy with practicality. Mission Wushnare is not just about relief, it’s about restoring dignity and purpose.”

Renowned Educationist & Founder of PSAJK  G.N. Var said, “Such initiatives by KWT exemplify the social responsibility our institutions must uphold; education, empathy and empowerment must go hand in hand.”

Dr. Mantasha Binti Rashid, (JKAS), Founder of Food For Poor & Food For All, an initiative of the Kashmir Women’s Collective. She said “Providing food kits may address hunger for a day, but creating employment ensures food on every table for a lifetime. Our initiative, Food For Poor & Food For All, aligns perfectly with KWT’s vision combining compassion with empowerment so that every family can move from dependence to dignity.”

Dr. Farooq Ahmad Peer, former Secretary JKBOSE, highlighted the educational role of such initiatives. He said “When students witness compassion and social responsibility in action, it nurtures values that no classroom lesson can replace.”

Prominent dignitaries including Tariq Ahmad Mir, Chairman of Special Hands of Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Bhat (HPVT), Muhammad Ali Lone, Incharge Hospitals, HPVT, Ashfaq Ahmad Zehgeer Executive Committee Member, KCC&I, Dr. Nowsheen, physician at KASHMER/HPVT, Fazeelat, Project Assistant at HPVT, Hadiya Nabi, Student, Kashmir Welfare Trust, Syed Riyaz Ahmad, Project Manager, KASHMER, Sakib Qadri, Convener, People’s Environmental Council, Burhan Misgar, Chairman, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Dr. S. Khurshid-ul-Islam, Board Member, KEI & Infaqq Foundation, Zahoor-ul-Haque (Madad Charitable Trust) and Ms. Shafaqat (Autism Welfare Trust), also attended and lauded the initiative.

The Principal of Bilaliya Educational Institute Nissar Ahmad extended a warm vote of thanks to all dignitaries, guests, volunteers and students for their active participation in the event.

He said, “I sincerely thank all our esteemed guests, dignitaries and participants for gracing the occasion and supporting this noble mission. I also appreciate our students and staff for their dedication and discipline throughout the program. Your presence and cooperation made Mission Wushnare 2025 a true success.