A group of Kashmir youngsters are pioneering a new era of compassion and social responsibility by locating and taking care of the people abandoned for their mental incapacity, reports Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
In Kashmir, a group of young men quietly rewrite the script of compassion and social responsibility. Led by Musadiq Bashir, 22, an engineering student from Pulwama, these volunteers are on a mission to help those whom society has abandoned, the mentally ill and people who have escaped homes and are wandering with no shelter or basic care. Their actions dominated social media for some time, triggering a lot of interest in their mission.
A Movement
The story of Kashmir Youth Courage (KYC) begins with a simple, yet profound moment of empathy. Musadiq found himself face-to-face as a child with a middle-aged man in tattered clothes and a dishevelled beard by the roadside. The image of this man, who had seen better days, stayed with Musadiq long after he returned to the comfort of his home.
“As I enjoyed my evening meal, I could not help but think of those with no one to care for them,” Musadiq recalls. This emotional experience marked the birth of Team KYC. “Driven by concern for the destitute, I transformed this initiative into a grassroots movement aimed at restoring dignity to the marginalised.”
In 2022, Musadiq decided to turn his empathy into action. “Whenever I walk through the Kashmir streets, I cannot ignore the sight of destitute, abandoned and left to fend for themselves on the roadside,” he said. “I have always wanted to do something for society.”
The First Steps
Musadiq reached out to his friends, discussing his ideas and seeking their support. Their encouragement fuelled his determination, and six months ago, he began this initiative to improve the lives of those struggling with mental health issues and homelessness.
What started as a small initiative has now grown into a movement, with scores of youths joining Musadiq. “Almost 500 to 600 youths have joined me,” he said with pride. “They are ready to do this work with me, and we have members in every district.”
The KYC core comprises six members – Musadiq, 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 when required.
A Long Day
Every day, this committed team navigates the narrow, winding streets of Kashmir, seeking out the abandoned. Once they locate one, KYC provides care, companionship, and a renewed sense of belonging to them.
The team’s approach is delicate and rooted in compassion. They often respond to calls from families seeking help for their loved ones. “First, we ask for their photo to assess their condition,” Musadiq explains. “We then prepare to approach them, always trying to convince them lovingly.”
The process is not without its challenges. Many of these individuals are violent or unresponsive to requests for cooperation. The team’s gentle approach, however, often yields surprising results. “Often, people expect violence, but when we approach them with kindness, they cooperate,” Musadiq noted. “We tell them we are here to improve their condition, not to harm them.”
The team’s work involves more than just providing immediate relief. They give haircuts, bathe the individuals, 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, fully recording it for transparency and awareness.
Stories of Transformation
One of the early cases that KYC tackled was that of a businessperson from Srinagar who had suffered a loss of Rs 20 to 30 lakhs in a failed business venture in Nepal some decades back. This led the man to depression, and he retreated into himself, isolating himself from his family and the world.
When Musadiq and his team arrived at his home in Nawakadal, they were met with resistance. Frightened and confused, the erstwhile trader became violent, calling out to his wife. Despite his outburst, the team remained calm and gently persuaded him to let them help with his appearance.
“We gently cut his hair and beard, and it transformed him into a man who had almost forgotten what it felt like to be seen, to be cared for,” Musadiq recounted. “The transformation was striking—he emerged looking completely different, a small but significant step towards reclaiming his life.”
Another case that deeply moved the team in Fateh Kadal. After the death of his father, the young son fell into depression and was left with no family members except his mother. He lost his mental stability and started struggling with severe depression.
The Challenges
The work of KYC is not without its challenges. Handling violent patients, managing resources, and facing criticism on social media are just a few obstacles they have encountered. Musadiq admitted that while their efforts make a difference, it is often temporary. “It makes a difference for a while, but then they gradually return to the same situation,” he regretted. “They do not have anyone to take care of them.”
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.
Musadiq faces criticism on social media, but he remains undeterred. “A lot of people say negative things, but I don’t care,” he stated firmly. “If their family members don’t have a problem, then I don’t think others should either.” For Musadiq, the support of his community and the impact he has made far outweigh the negativity.
The Future
As Musadiq looks to the future, his vision extends beyond temporary assistance. He dreams of establishing a centre where those struggling with mental health issues can receive proper care and live with dignity. “I plan to keep such people in a centre,” he said. “I want to provide all the facilities they need, especially because many of them come from poor families and have no one to take care of them.”
Musadiq’s plan is ambitious, and he knows that he cannot achieve it alone. He hopes to receive support from the government and other organisations to bring his vision to life. “If I get support from the government, maybe I can build a centre where they can be treated properly,” he hoped. “I have an organisation, but to sustain this work for a long time, it needs to be done through a proper system.”
The young activist is not only focused on establishing a centre for men but also plans to create a wing dedicated to helping women who are suffering from depression and other mental health issues. “Yes, I have a team of women who want to work with me,” he revealed. “There are women who are suffering, and it will be important for me to improve their condition.”
The Social Media
In an age where social media often amplifies negativity, Musadiq and his team are using these platforms as a force for good. They regularly update their followers about ongoing cases and upcoming initiatives, using their online presence to mobilise support and spread awareness about their cause.
“I am very active on social media,” Musadiq admitted. “If I have followers, I want to use them in a way that benefits society.” This strategy has proven effective, with their work garnering attention and inspiring others to join their cause.
A recent video on Musadiq’s Facebook handle painfully exposes a harsh reality of the team’s mission: aggression from those they desperately try to help. The scene depicts an elderly man violently attacking the team, refusing their assistance. Despite such encounters, the team continues to do what they can—one haircut, one bath, and one life at a time—bringing a measure of dignity and hope to those who have been forgotten.
The Impact
The KYC 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.
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 Big Picture
The KYC work sheds light on a larger issue plaguing Kashmir and indeed, many parts of the world—the neglect of mental health and the stigma surrounding it. In a region often overshadowed by political tensions and economic challenges, the plight of those suffering from mental illness often goes unnoticed.
The group’s efforts are not just about providing immediate relief; they are about changing societal attitudes towards mental health and homelessness. By bringing these issues to the forefront, they are forcing the community to confront uncomfortable truths and consider their role in addressing these challenges.
Besides, at a time when the Kashmir youth are often portrayed as disillusioned and frustrated due to unemployment and political uncertainty, the KYC story offers a different narrative. It shows young people taking initiative, showing compassion, and working tirelessly to make a difference in their community.
A Call to Action
As KYC continues its work, Musadiq emphasises that there is still much to be done. “We need more resources, more hands, and more support from the government to truly make a lasting impact,” he said. The organisation is always looking for volunteers, donations, and support to continue its mission.
For those inspired by their work, there are many ways to get involved. Following KYC on social media, spreading awareness about their cause, volunteering time, or contributing resources—every bit helps in making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
“These young men are not just changing individual lives; they are challenging societal norms and inspiring a new generation to take action,” said Rizwan, a student of Social Sciences at JMI, Delhi. “Their journey is a testament to the impact that a small group of dedicated individuals can have on their community.”
In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Musadiq and his team prove that change begins with the courage to care and that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple out to create waves of transformation. As Kashmir and the world watch, these young heroes continue their quiet revolution, one forgotten soul at a time.
(For privacy reasons, names have been changed or withheld.)
