By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCirlces.net,
Srinagar : With an aim to send a message of brotherhood among different Muslim Sects and to pay tribute to Imam Hussain (RA), a valley-based youth group distributed boxes of fresh fruits among the patients in Sher-E-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar on Friday, the 9th day of Muharram.
The initiative was taken by a voluntary group “Ehsaas- A center for development of social ethics, culture and human values” whose idea was conceived by a group of youths in Srinagar.
“We tried a unique and different way to pay homage and tribute to martyrs of Karbala besides sending a message of brotherhood among different Muslim sects,” Syed Tabassum Geelani, Chairman, Ehsaas Group, told TwoCirles.net
Fresh fruits packed in boxes were provided to all the patients in SKIMS and in their gynaecology hospital under the supervision of the medical superintendent of SKIMS.
Around 20 volunteers, both Sunni and Shia from different parts of Srinagar, took part in the fruit distribution programme.
“Instead of going traditional way, we distributed fresh fruits among the patients in the hospitals. Because hospital is a place where people are struggling and suffering and a kind word from someone is worth millions in such situation besides it is a place where people are served without any prejudice to caste, creed, sect or religion,” said Tabassum.
For volunteer Mahee Zakariya, the initiative of fruit distribution was an extraordinary event due to the message attached to it.
“The initiative was taken in the tribute and love for Imam Hussain (RA) and it is just a little step from our side to send out a message of brotherhood and unity among the Muslim Ummah,” Mahee told TCN.
The group plans to take it forward by organising different events in near future and opening a virtual blood bank.
“We are organising a seminar titled ‘Hussainiyat in Contemporary time’, wherein intellectuals from different religions and Muslims Sects will talk over the topic, which is scheduled for next month. Further, we will conduct awareness programmes for youth who are scheduled to get married to near future to let them make aware about responsibilities after marriage and to curb post marriage domestic violence,” Tabassum said.
“We also intend to open a blood bank wherein people who want to donate blood can register and will be called as and when the need arises,” he added.