As sub-zero temperature sets off a biting cold wave in Kashmir, a wave of warmth is spreading across the Valley with people donating winter clothing to the needy. A wall along the British-era boulevard on the Jhelum here, has been turned into a “Wall of Kindness”, where people can hang their warm clothes for those in need to come by and pick them up.
Muhammad Sideeq, a labourer from outside the State, is looking for something warm on the wall full of jerseys, pullovers, jackets, to beat the chilling cold, with the night temperature hovering around minus 3.8.
“My wife told me about the wall. She picked up woollens on Tuesday. I have also zeroed in on a white jacket and this should be enough to brave the chill,” Mr. Sideeq told
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A group 30 people, including students and activists, under the banner of an organisation ‘Who is Hussain’, is trying to multiply the initiative, emulated from cold regions of Turkey and China, where people donate clothes every winter.
“The idea is to act as a bridge between the giver and the taker without compromising on anyone’s dignity. The area witnesses less movement of people and the needy can easily pick up clothes. There are many people who don’t want to come forward asking for clothes. This is a discreet way to help each other,” said Sheezan Muntazir, a student-activist.
The initiative has seen many donors coming forward. “We have enough stock as donors are pouring in all day. Our next plan is to set up these walls in areas where a large section of needy people reside,” he added.
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The State administration has welcomed the initiative and provided permission to use the walls. “It will inculcate a sense of giving in the masses,” said Sadaf Firdous Baba, another activist.
Manzoor Nawchoo, an engineer said, such initiatives are great success in the Middles East. “In Dubai people deposit excess clothes, not wornout or dirty, in exclusive bins kept outside mosques. All must donate instead of dumping whatever in excess,” said Mr. Nawchoo.