by Wajeeha Ali
SRINAGAR: At a time when the youth are exhibiting frustration over joblessness and livelihoods, a remarkable group of young men in Kashmir are crafting a new narrative, one of compassion and dedication. These young heroes have united to support individuals abandoned by their families and isolated due to mental health issues, offering a beacon of hope and humanity in these challenging times.
Every day, this committed team navigates the narrow, winding streets of Kashmir, seeking out those who have been left behind by society. Their mission is simple yet profound: to provide care, companionship, and a renewed sense of belonging to those marginalised by their circumstances.
“Many of these individuals are forgotten by their families, often due to the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Adil, one of the group’s founders. “We believe that everyone deserves love and support, regardless of their circumstances.”
These youth roam around and locate the abandoned people who are sitting on street corners oblivious of the life around them. They are usually in the dirty and worst clothing and have unkempt hair for years. These youth give them a haircut, bathe them, change their clothes and in most cases feed them. In certain cases, these people resist the intervention in their lost lives but the youth gently catch hold of them to complete their operation, something fully recording it.
These South Kashmir young men started their initiative two months back but are now working consistently. They have a team called KYC – Kashmir Youth Courage. It comprises six members including its founding member, Musidiq Bashir, and volunteers Yawar Rashid, Muhammad Tajamul, Sabzar Bhat and Faizan Bashir.
Operating out of a modest rented space, which doubles as a refuge and community centre, they offer necessities like food and clothing, as well as medical assistance and counselling services, if required. But perhaps most importantly, they provide friendship and understanding, helping their beneficiaries rebuild their lives, if possible in the situation the isolated people are in.
One of their most heartwarming successes is the story of Sameer, a middle-aged man who had been living on the streets for years. Abandoned by his family after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, Sameer found a second chance through the group’s efforts. Now, he assists these young men in their outreach, offering a unique perspective and further proving the power of compassion and community.
The challenges are significant. Funding is scarce, and the social stigma surrounding mental health remains a formidable barrier. Yet, the determination of these young men never wavers. They continue to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health resources, striving to change societal attitudes one person at a time.
Their work has not gone unnoticed. The community, initially sceptical, has begun to rally around their efforts, with more people volunteering and donating to the cause. The group’s inspiring journey is a testament to the impact that kindness and solidarity can have, even in the face of adversity.
In a region often overshadowed by tensions and turmoil, these young men are proving that hope and humanity can prevail. Their story is a powerful reminder that change begins with the courage to care and that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a world of difference.
