From Kashmir to Chennai, Ramadan generosity feeds thousands and educates kids

Ramadan is a time when people come together for food, reflection, and giving. Across India, many people step up to help others during this month.

Some open classrooms for children who need help. Others bring food to hospitals before sunset. Many families cook extra food so no one nearby goes hungry. In Chennai, a temple has made iftar for fasting people for decades.

Here are four stories that show the kindness of Ramadan.

Kashmir Man Helps 6,000 Disabled Children Study

In 1997, Javed Ahmad Tak was paralyzed from the waist down by a bullet injury. During his recovery, he realized that children with disabilities in Kashmir often couldn't get an education or therapy.

In 2003, he started the Humanity Welfare Organisation in Anantnag. This group has helped over 6,000 children. They get to study, receive therapy, and use assistive devices.

Community Serves Iftar at Hospitals and Stations for Eight Years

Every evening during Ramadan, volunteers from Iftar4All gather outside hospitals, railway stations, and other public places. They bring packets of dates, fruit, pakoras, roasted chana, and juice.

This effort started in 2017. Advocate Anas Tanwir and his friends wanted to share iftar meals beyond their own homes. Now, these distributions happen in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Hyderabad.

Ordinary Indians Refuse to Let Anyone Go Hungry

For some families, Ramadan generosity starts at home. In Kolkata, Saiful Islam has made sure people around him have meals for decades. Businessman Shabbir Ahmed finds it hard to eat if someone nearby is hungry.

Inspired by these examples, people like Payal Kumar in Delhi cook fresh dal, rice, sabzi, and roti every day. This food goes to children who might otherwise go without. These kitchens work quietly, driven by a simple idea: share what you have.

Chennai Temple Serves Iftar for 40 Years

In Mylapore, Chennai, the Sufidar Temple has a Ramadan tradition that has lasted almost four decades. Volunteers start cooking early each morning. They prepare vegetarian meals for about 1,200 people.

As sunset nears, the food is taken to the historic Wallajah Mosque. There, fasting people gather to break their fast. Dada Ratanchand founded the temple, and it has always welcomed people of all faiths.