From Piggy Banks To Gold: Kashmir's Emotional Outpouring For War-Torn Iran

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) ** Srinagar-** Ten-year-old Jibran Hyder from Zadibal had spent nearly a year saving for a bicycle.

Every rupee went carefully into a small piggy bank, carrying a child’s quiet dream.

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But the developments in Iran changed his plans, and he chose to give it all away. The dream was set aside in a moment of conviction.

“The martyrdom of Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei motivated me,” Jibran said.“I donated Rs 17,600 from my piggy bank, including my Eidi. We did not celebrate Eid. I was saving this money for a cycle for the past one year, but after his martyrdom, I decided to donate it.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, triggering widespread mourning and global reactions.

Jibran’s story has come to symbolise a much larger movement unfolding across Kashmir-one marked by sacrifice, emotion, and an overwhelming sense of solidarity.

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Across the Kashmir Valley, thousands have stepped forward to donate money, gold, and personal belongings for war-affected people in Iran. What stands out is not the scale alone, but the depth of what is being given.

At a small roadside stall in Khomeini Chowk, currency notes,copper vessels and gold lay scattered across a metal tray, mixed with coins and small offerings. A handwritten sign reading“Donation for Iran” hung across the front, while an Iranian flag fluttered above. People stopped briefly, reached into their pockets, and quietly handed over what they could.

Children have emerged as some of the most moving participants.

Seven-year-old Banafsha Zehra donated Rs 7,000-her entire Eidi-saying she was deeply affected by the suffering of children and those who died in the Minab school bombing.“I donated this for the children and for the school,” she said.

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Nine-year-old Mohammad Hasnain contributed Rs 2,100 from his savings.“I donate this for our new leader, in his love,” he said.

Such moments have repeated across districts-children breaking piggy banks, young girls removing earrings, and families giving away what little they possess.

Women, too, have led the effort with quiet resilience. At donation points, many parted with gold ornaments-often their most valued assets. Outside an Imambara in Bemina, one woman said,“I am an orphan. If I could, I would have sacrificed all seven members of my family. This is all I could do.”

At Chak Sadrabal, a physically challenged woman arrived in a wheelchair and donated gold earrings along with Rs 6,000.“This is for the eesal-e-sawaab of my mother,” she said.

Most of the donation drives are being organised by local mohalla committees operating through Imambaras, with collections taking place at the neighbourhood level. The overall amount raised across Kashmir, however, is yet to be officially consolidated.

In Gund Hassi Bhat, locals said they collectively raised around Rs 30 lakh, reflecting the strength of grassroots participation.

Among the larger contributions, Sadat Ali Mir donated a tipper vehicle, symbolising the scale of commitment seen across the Valley.

In another video circulating on social media, a man from Budgam claims to have collectd 11 lakhs from the people.

The campaign has also transcended sectarian boundaries, with members of the Sunni community joining in significant numbers, reinforcing a shared humanitarian spirit.

“I sold my bike to support the cause,” said a member of the sunni community.

Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi announced that he has donated his one month’s salary towards Iran.

Organisers said many people are also directly transferring funds to accounts linked to the Iranian embassy.

Observers say what defines this movement is not the amount collected, but the intention behind it.

“This is not about charity,” a volunteer said.“It is about feeling someone else’s pain as your own.”

From a child giving up a bicycle to others parting with lifelong savings, Kashmir’s response has turned into a powerful expression of empathy,where every contribution carries a story.

Reacting to a woman’s donation of gold kept for 28 years in memory of her late husband, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi called the gesture the greatest source of comfort for the people of Iran.

“A respected sister from Kashmir donated the gold kept as a memento of her husband who passed away 28 years ago with a heart full of love and solidarity for the people of #Iran. Your tears and pure emotions are the greatest source of comfort for the people of Iran and will never be forgotten. Thank you #Kashmir. Thank you #India,” the Iranian Embassy X handle ‘Iran in India’ posted.

The contributions are expected to be channelled through official relief organisations, including the Iranian Embassy, the officials said.

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