The major takeaways from the practice of organising and attending ‘Iftar’ are many: they strengthen civil-military ties at grass root level, promote peace and communal harmony as well as demonstrate respect for local traditions
Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan as a month of fasting, communal prayer and reflection. They study the Quran, donate to charity and seek ways to strengthen ties within the community and beyond.
To break the Ramadan fast, ‘Iftar’, the evening meal is taken at sunset immediately after the Maghrib prayer. It is a spiritual act involving the consumption of water, dates, fruits and other traditional dishes.
Being a ‘Peoples’ army’, the Indian Army has a tradition of maintaining very close bonds with the masses. In J&K, besides undertaking a wide range of public oriented initiatives the Indian Army has been organising ‘Iftar’ gatherings that promote peace, trust and harmony. This event facilitates better bonding between the locals and the men in uniform.
The major takeaways from the practice of organising and attending ‘Iftar’ are many: they strengthen civil-military ties at grass root level, promote peace and communal harmony as well as demonstrate respect for local traditions. The Iftar engagement initiative involves a diverse group of participants, including elders, youth and community leaders. The army’s overall objective is to reinforce unity and bridge gaps in understanding, and fosters a spirit of camaraderie, mutual respect and cooperation.
In March this year, J&K Indian Army’s Srinagar based XV Corps (also known as the Chinar Corps), and its Rashtriya Rifles (RR) units hosted ‘Iftar’ parties in various places across North and South Kashmir, including Shopian, Anantnag, Tangmarg, Baramulla and Poonch.
During these gatherings, besides offering prayers for the peace, happiness, prosperity and good health for all, army officers, media, political representatives, civil administration representatives and local residents mingled with each other and exchanged views on a host of issues.
The friendly atmosphere celebrated the region’s rich cultural heritage and reinforced values of peace, bonhomie, cooperation, and collective strength. Guests also enjoyed traditional Ramadan delicacies. The Chinar Warriors, representatives of several Rashtriya Rifles (RR) units and local Kashmiris were seen at other Iftar gatherings as well.
Appreciating this initiative, participants emphasized the importance of community engagement and cooperation with the civil administration and the Indian Army. Tested by security concerns at regular intervals, the “Army-Awaam” (Army-Public) bond in Kashmir is a complex and evolving relationship.
The Indian Army sponsored "Operation Sadbhavana" (Goodwill) and its role in grassroots development and humanitarian aid, has worked wonders in terms of rebuilding trust, closing cultural gaps and improving the quality of life in the restive and remote border areas of J&K.
Hosting ‘Iftar’ gatherings and parties every year is a key feature of this goodwill exercise, as the army has a tradition of celebrating religious festivals with local communities and participating in social public oriented activities. This in turn promotes unity, ensures access to healthcare, provides support to vulnerable sections of society, including women, children and orphans, besides launching education-linked initiatives.
Going beyond its security-centric brief, the Chinar Corps and the Rashtriya Rifles are also providing economic and social support by creating a conducive environment and extending assistance through various schemes. Extending support to the agricultural community through information about government schemes, organising sports and cultural festivals as well as facilitating Kashmiri youth to join the Indian Army reflects the push towards hope and jobs for the region.
Part of the army’s community engagement drive also includes the responsibility of acting as the primary responder to natural disasters in Kashmir, especially during the harsh winter months when heavy snowfall makes it difficult to access socio-economic facilities and supporting infrastructure.
Coming back to the essence of ‘Iftar’ as a community engagement enhancer, the 44 Rashtriya Rifles shared meals with local people in several mosques in Shopian district, including at Molu Chitragam and Shadimarg. In Kupwara, units of the Shakti Vijay Brigade and the Reshmar Regiment organised large-scale Iftars to reaffirm their commitment to supporting the border residents.
In Tangmarg, 29 RR encouraged local residents to interact freely with soldiers, fostering goodwill. In Patalbagh, Pampore, 50 RR organised a special ‘Iftar’ for orphans, spreading joy among them- an act that reflects the government and the Indian Army’s determination to stand with all communities especially the under-privileged in Kashmir, spreading peace and encouraging solidarity.
Email:---------farooqwani61@yahoo.co.in
The major takeaways from the practice of organising and attending ‘Iftar’ are many: they strengthen civil-military ties at grass root level, promote peace and communal harmony as well as demonstrate respect for local traditions
Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan as a month of fasting, communal prayer and reflection. They study the Quran, donate to charity and seek ways to strengthen ties within the community and beyond.
To break the Ramadan fast, ‘Iftar’, the evening meal is taken at sunset immediately after the Maghrib prayer. It is a spiritual act involving the consumption of water, dates, fruits and other traditional dishes.
Being a ‘Peoples’ army’, the Indian Army has a tradition of maintaining very close bonds with the masses. In J&K, besides undertaking a wide range of public oriented initiatives the Indian Army has been organising ‘Iftar’ gatherings that promote peace, trust and harmony. This event facilitates better bonding between the locals and the men in uniform.
The major takeaways from the practice of organising and attending ‘Iftar’ are many: they strengthen civil-military ties at grass root level, promote peace and communal harmony as well as demonstrate respect for local traditions. The Iftar engagement initiative involves a diverse group of participants, including elders, youth and community leaders. The army’s overall objective is to reinforce unity and bridge gaps in understanding, and fosters a spirit of camaraderie, mutual respect and cooperation.
In March this year, J&K Indian Army’s Srinagar based XV Corps (also known as the Chinar Corps), and its Rashtriya Rifles (RR) units hosted ‘Iftar’ parties in various places across North and South Kashmir, including Shopian, Anantnag, Tangmarg, Baramulla and Poonch.
During these gatherings, besides offering prayers for the peace, happiness, prosperity and good health for all, army officers, media, political representatives, civil administration representatives and local residents mingled with each other and exchanged views on a host of issues.
The friendly atmosphere celebrated the region’s rich cultural heritage and reinforced values of peace, bonhomie, cooperation, and collective strength. Guests also enjoyed traditional Ramadan delicacies. The Chinar Warriors, representatives of several Rashtriya Rifles (RR) units and local Kashmiris were seen at other Iftar gatherings as well.
Appreciating this initiative, participants emphasized the importance of community engagement and cooperation with the civil administration and the Indian Army. Tested by security concerns at regular intervals, the “Army-Awaam” (Army-Public) bond in Kashmir is a complex and evolving relationship.
The Indian Army sponsored "Operation Sadbhavana" (Goodwill) and its role in grassroots development and humanitarian aid, has worked wonders in terms of rebuilding trust, closing cultural gaps and improving the quality of life in the restive and remote border areas of J&K.
Hosting ‘Iftar’ gatherings and parties every year is a key feature of this goodwill exercise, as the army has a tradition of celebrating religious festivals with local communities and participating in social public oriented activities. This in turn promotes unity, ensures access to healthcare, provides support to vulnerable sections of society, including women, children and orphans, besides launching education-linked initiatives.
Going beyond its security-centric brief, the Chinar Corps and the Rashtriya Rifles are also providing economic and social support by creating a conducive environment and extending assistance through various schemes. Extending support to the agricultural community through information about government schemes, organising sports and cultural festivals as well as facilitating Kashmiri youth to join the Indian Army reflects the push towards hope and jobs for the region.
Part of the army’s community engagement drive also includes the responsibility of acting as the primary responder to natural disasters in Kashmir, especially during the harsh winter months when heavy snowfall makes it difficult to access socio-economic facilities and supporting infrastructure.
Coming back to the essence of ‘Iftar’ as a community engagement enhancer, the 44 Rashtriya Rifles shared meals with local people in several mosques in Shopian district, including at Molu Chitragam and Shadimarg. In Kupwara, units of the Shakti Vijay Brigade and the Reshmar Regiment organised large-scale Iftars to reaffirm their commitment to supporting the border residents.
In Tangmarg, 29 RR encouraged local residents to interact freely with soldiers, fostering goodwill. In Patalbagh, Pampore, 50 RR organised a special ‘Iftar’ for orphans, spreading joy among them- an act that reflects the government and the Indian Army’s determination to stand with all communities especially the under-privileged in Kashmir, spreading peace and encouraging solidarity.
Email:---------farooqwani61@yahoo.co.in
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