SRINAGAR: Various trades in Srinagar joined hands and launched a socio-economic initiative named ‘You Are Not Alone’ (YANA). ” The initiative is aimed at providing rations to the families of vulnerable persons connected with trade, commerce and industry.
Nasir Hamid Khan, Chief Coordinator of the initiative said they wish to reach out to auto-rickshaws, taxi, bus drivers and conductors, shikarawala’s, artisans and weavers, daily wagers, footpath vendors and other workers with their monthly ration and other essential requirements. “From the village artisans in Anantnag, shikarawala’s in Srinagar, the bus driver in Kupwara, footpath vendor in Ganderbal to the pony walla’s in Gulmarg, we hope to reach out to all persons belonging to our hand-to-mouth weaker sections,” he said. Some individuals from within the trade, he said, are doing their bit but the initiative was planned for a major impact.
“This is also important because the economic disruption caused by the pandemic is likely to stay for some time and a third wave is also forecasted. For this purpose, it is vital that a proper structure is given to the “You Are Not Alone” initiative in order to make it focused, meaningful and effective,” Khan said.
The initiative was started off by leading businessman of Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya and the function was attended by various Past Presidents of Kashmir Chamber including Abdul Hamid Punjabi, Mushtaq A Wani, Javed Tenga, besides, Wahid Malik (KHAROF), Manzoor Ahmad Wangoo (NTTA, NALCO), Tariq Ahmad Mir and Abdul Wahid Harco (KHARA), Mohammed Amin (Houseboat Owners Association), Abrar Ahmad Khan (Batamaloo Traders Association), Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Farhan Kitab and Irfan Jeelani (JCCCC), Ashfaq Ahmad Dug and Habib Ullah Pandow (TAAK), Ibrahim Siah (SKAL), Basharat Husain (KCCA), Mohammad Latief Bhat (J&K Shawl Exporters Association) and other general members of the KCC&I. It was not immediately known how many ration kits were distributed on the formal launch day.
“Being conscious about the fact that a family has other requirements in addition to rations, we are also working on the logistics of providing for other items like clothes, shoes, books, stationery, furniture, toys, etc in the second phase,” Khan added.
