Ramadan often brings people together around food, reflection, and generosity. Across India, the month also becomes a moment when many quietly step forward to help others.
Some open classrooms for children who need support. Others carry food packets to hospital entrances just before sunset. In many homes, families cook extra so someone nearby does not sleep hungry. And in one Chennai neighbourhood, a temple has spent decades preparing iftar for fasting devotees.
Here are four stories this week that reflect the spirit of kindness during Ramadan.
After Bullet Injury & Paralysis, This Kashmir Man Helped 6000 Disabled Children Study; Support His New Shelter Home
In 1997, a bullet injury damaged Javed Ahmad Tak’s spinal cord and left him paralysed from the waist down. During the long months that followed, he began thinking about how children with disabilities in Kashmir often struggled to access education and rehabilitation. In 2003, he started the Humanity Welfare Organisation in Anantnag. Over the years, the initiative has helped more than 6,000 children study, receive therapy, and access assistive devices. Read how Javed built this centre and how you can support its next chapter.
For 8 Years, This Community Has Been Serving Iftar at Hospitals, Railway Stations & Footpaths Across India
Each evening during Ramadan, volunteers with Iftar4All gather outside hospitals, railway stations, and public spaces carrying packets of dates, fruit, pakoras, roasted chana, and juice. The effort began in 2017 when advocate Anas Tanwir and a small group of friends decided to take the spirit of shared iftar meals beyond their own tables. Today, similar distributions take place in cities including Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Hyderabad. Read how the initiative grew and how you can join an iftar distribution near you.
‘I Want to See Everyone Eat’: The Story of Ordinary Indians Who Refuse to Turn Away From Hunger
For some families, Ramadan generosity begins at home. In Kolkata, Saiful Islam has spent decades ensuring meals reach people around him. Businessman Shabbir Ahmed says he finds it difficult to eat if someone nearby is hungry. Inspired by such examples, people like Payal Kumar in Delhi cook fresh dal, rice, sabzi, and roti daily for children who might otherwise go without. These kitchens operate quietly, guided by a simple idea: share what you have. Read how these families are feeding communities one meal at a time.
For 40 Years, This Chennai Temple Has Been Serving Iftaar During Ramadan
In Mylapore, Chennai, the Sufidar Temple follows a Ramadan tradition that has continued for nearly four decades. Volunteers begin cooking early each morning, preparing vegetarian meals for around 1,200 people. As sunset approaches, the food is taken to the historic Wallajah Mosque where fasting devotees gather to break their fast. Founded by Dada Ratanchand, the temple has always welcomed people across faiths. Read how this tradition continues to bring communities together every Ramadan.
https://thebetterindia.com/culture/chennai-mylapore-temple-serving-iftar-40-years-muslims-ramadan-interfaith-tradition-11168316
