Shabir Khan
Mohammad Jaffer, 27, from Khawja Gilget area in Sopore who is a Bachelor in Computer Applications has become an inspiration for several youths by engaging in social work in the north Kashmir township of Sopore.
Although he studied computers, from a very young age he aspired to help the needy. In 2010, Jaffer says, helping people gave him unmatched happiness and relief really happiness, As everyone is aware of the troubled times Kashmir has gone through and as a result of which many people suffered.
“The sufferings of the people were overwhelming for me personally and from an early age had a profound impact on my imagination. For many years the desire to do something for my people remained just an aspiration till Covid 19 lockdowns,” Jaffer said.
However, the turning point is Jaffer’s life came during the COVID-19 outbreak, which affected all segments of the population. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic was devastating: ten million people are at extreme risk of falling into extreme poverty and death.
“One day, on a roadside, a very depressed-looking boy asked me for my phone so that he can make a call. He called a wealthy man and ask him for help, But he denied helping him. This situation didn’t let me sleep for many days and as I saw people could not go outside and earn their livelihood, Then I decided to go out and help people in our Sopore town,” he said.
I planned to start a Volunteer organization. But I was alone because everyone scared was terrified to go out and for a few days, I worked alone putting my life at risk but I continued to work with passion, Jaffer said.
Then some youth from the town started joining the organization and helped me take the service further.
Jaffer is planning to open a charitable hospital, Dialysis center Home for special abled persons , Free Ambulance service. “Because in our Sopore town, the worst problem is the Health system. By charitable, I mean where you have high class facilities at rates matching the government counterparts and free for those who can’t afford high rates. know it is a huge project and requires lot of inputs. I don’t know how, but I am going to do it,” he said.
Kashmiri youth have a massive potential, we just need grooming and someone to show us direction. We all collectively need to pledge to help anyone who is in distress by any means, Jaffer says.
Seeking donations from the public, Jaffer said, “They say even a single penny counts. We accept anything. People donate in form of materials, money etc. One can even contribute by spending your precious time with us to serve Humanity.”