Tauseef Ahmad, Sajid Raina/TwoCircles.net
Pulwama: Aarif, whose mother was admitted to a hospital in the city, was in a rush as iftar time approached. Having spent the entire day with his ailing mother at the hospital and with nothing to breakfast, he managed to buy some dates outside. As he walked by, he noticed a crowd gathered near the canteen. Curious, he approached and saw a woman distributing free meals to dozens of people.
The woman was Afiqa Ali, a beacon of hope for many at the Pulwama hospital, who, during the sacred month of Ramadan, offers free meals at both sehri and iftar times.
As Aarif too approached her with a warm smile, she handed him a plate filled with rice, vegetables and meat. “I did not know how I would break my fast today. This feels like a blessing,” he said, adding that the woman’s initiative is helping many at the hospital.
‘Serving people a blessing’
Afiqa is a well-known social activist from Pulwama, who has dedicated over two decades to serving those in need. From offering meals to people during the 2014 flash floods to providing food to hundreds of migrant labourers during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has become a symbol of hope for many in the district.
“I choose the Pulwama hospital to distribute free meals during Ramadan because, in the chaos of emergencies, families often forget to eat or simply don’t have time,” she told TwoCircles.net. “By offering them food, I aim to ease their burden, even if just for a moment, like a family member would.”
She added seeing people eat their meals brings her relief. “It brings peace to my soul to see them nourished.”
Afiqa believes every woman has the power to create change if they take that first step. “A woman has the capacity. She has the courage and can bring change.”
For her, consistency is key. “If I lose my consistency, there will be hundreds who may get relief from my initiative who will suffer,” she said.
A community effort for the needy
Positioned near the ATM at Pulwama hospital’s entrance, Afiqa’s langar (open kitchen) has become a source of comfort for many. The initiative serves freshly cooked meals, ensuring that no one goes hungry, especially those fasting during the holy month.
“Some people bring food from home. There is no need for that. They can eat here too. They will get the same food as they would at home,” she explained.
The initiative has not only provided food but also fostered a sense of community. Volunteers from different backgrounds come together, offering their time and resources. “People come and say, ‘We will wash the utensils and clean the vegetables.’ Women ask, ‘Tell us what to do,'” she said.
She runs this initiative under her trust, JK Ansar-ul-Maskeen, which, according to her, is entirely dependent on people’s contributions.
“Many people contribute to this initiative, and it is all because of the people. We are offering meals to hundreds in need at this hospital during sehri and iftar times,” she said.
Gratitude from those she serves
For hospital patients and attendants, the langar has been a lifesaver. Many who travel from remote areas for treatment struggle to afford meals.
One of the attendants said, “Being away from home during Ramadan is hard. This langar feels like home. The food and the kindness — it makes all the difference.”
Zahoor Ahmad, who brought his wife to the hospital last week for treatment, added, “I was thinking about how to arrange food after fasting the whole day. Then I saw this free meal being served. I cannot thank Afiqa enough.”
“Our volunteers go into every ward at sehri and iftar times and ask people to come and take free meals from our langar,” Afiqa said and added, “The dedicated volunteers ensure that no one sleeps with an empty stomach or breaks their fast without a meal.”
She also stated, “There are many people who criticise initiatives like these, which are common. But we are doing this for the sake of God and will continue to do it, no matter what people say.”
A vision beyond Ramadan
While the langar was initially set up for Ramadan, Afiqa hopes to continue it beyond the holy month if she gets enough support. “If people help, I will keep this langar running even after Ramadan,” she said.
Despite the challenges of managing resources, ensuring daily meal preparation and coordinating with volunteers, she seems to have firm determination and strong will power. She sees the langar not just as a food service but as a movement of kindness and community spirit.
One of the volunteers put it beautifully, “Serving here has shown me how small acts of kindness can change lives. This is not just food, it is love, care and humanity.”