JAMMU: In a major humanitarian initiative ahead of the holy month of Ramadan 2026, the Human Aid Society on Wednesday launched its Ramadan (Sehri and Iftar) Assistance Project at Maka Masjid, Bhatindi, Jammu, in collaboration with the Islamic Research and Development Trust (IRDT).
The large-scale programme is being implemented with financial support from the international humanitarian organisation Muslim Aid Austria.
Under the initiative, nearly 2,700 underprivileged families—covering around 13,500 individuals—will be provided essential food supplies for Sehri and Iftar before the commencement of Ramadan, enabling them to observe the holy month with dignity and food security. The organisation plans to complete the entire distribution drive before Ramadan begins, with an estimated expenditure of about ₹80 lakh.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who attended as the chief guest in his capacity as President of the Islamic Research and Development Trust, Maka Masjid. The event was attended by former bureaucrats, educationists and social activists from across the region.
Prominent among those present were A.B. Majeed Malik, Vice Chairman of IRDT; Bashir Ahmad Mir, Chairman and Founder of the Human Aid Society; Jamaat Ali, President of Maka Masjid; and Ghulam Ahmad Khwaja, former Deputy Commissioner and Head of the Human Aid Society, Jammu region.
Welcoming the guests, Ghulam Ahmad Khwaja highlighted the objectives of the Ramadan project, while Bashir Ahmad Mir briefed the gathering about the organisation’s ongoing humanitarian and community welfare initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the Islamic Research and Development Trust for its cooperation and support in making the joint programme possible.
During his address, Mir also raised several public welfare issues, including the need to establish Social Welfare offices at newly created tehsil headquarters, the provision of free timber to families affected by fire incidents, and reforms in banking procedures where loan renewals are processed without the consent of guarantors, often causing financial hardship.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah lauded the humanitarian work of the Human Aid Society, appreciating the dedication of its founder and volunteers who continue to serve society despite challenges. He described the issues raised as genuine and assured that he would take them up with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the concerned ministers.
Dr. Abdullah also appealed to the public to channel their Zakat, Sadaqah and charitable contributions through credible welfare organisations to ensure that assistance reaches deserving families. He commended the management of Maka Masjid and the Islamic Research and Development Trust for expanding mosque infrastructure through community participation and for maintaining transparency in the use of donations.
At the conclusion of the programme, relief kits were distributed among widows, orphans, elderly persons and families living in extreme poverty. In the initial phase, assistance was provided to 105 families comprising 537 individuals. The initiative was widely appreciated as a strong demonstration of compassion, social responsibility and community solidarity.