Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood,IAS
During 2021 and all subsequent years, God bless Hakim Ilyas and Janab Tabasum Geelani of Ehsaas Trust and all our Kashmiri brethren, other fellow Indians and entire humanity.
Since 2008, Zakat Foundation of India has been working to empower the fellow citizens in Jammu and Kashmir. Our Sir Syed Coaching and Guidance Centre in New-Delhi has so far sponsored the coaching of 153 meritorious boys and girls of J&K to well-prepare for competitive exams like UPSC and J&K PSC. Dozens have thus joined various services like IAS, IPS, IRS, Judiciary and KAS.
During last three years, Zakat Foundation and Ehsaas International have initiated joint projects. About 2 lakh people in the valley are involved in hand spinning and weaving of pashmina. However this cottage industry has been adversely affected since the onset of machines. Through entrepreneurial philanthropy, we are attempting to rehabilitate Pashmina artisans. The spinners and weavers are provided raw materials to manufacture genuine pashmina shawls for which we obtain Government endorsed ‘GI’label’ certifying genuineness of Kashmiri Pashmina’. The product is obtained for sale through e-commerce and then we ensure the well deserved profit share to artisans. Also, ZFI is supporting some other projects taken by Ehsaas Trust like winter coaching centres, hostel facility for students at lucknow and financial support to underprivileged meritorious students.
Besides, like in the rest of India, we have established ‘Mercy Home’ in valley’s downtrodden areas. These are healthcare centres where poor patients avail free medical consultation and medication.
We wish Ehsaas Trust all the best of selfless capacity to continue rendering meaningful service to the society.