Chinar International champions empowerment over charity at Annual Patrons Meet

Srinagar, Jul 16: “We don’t promote charity and relief. We believe in empowerment, self-reliance and transformation,” said Chinar International Chairman Irfan Shahmiri on Wednesday, as the non-profit held its Annual Patrons Meeting at the Amar Singh Club in Srinagar.

The event gathered patrons, board members, partners, stakeholders, and supporters to reflect on the organisation’s progress over the past year and lay out its vision for the future.

Reaffirming Chinar International’s core mission, Shahmiri emphasised the organisation’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable children, marginalised youth, and distressed communities in Jammu and Kashmir through education and socio-economic development.

In his address, Shahmiri highlighted Chinar’s flagship initiatives, particularly the Warwan Valley Transformation Project, which seeks to shift communities from dependence on aid to sustainable, long-term development.

*“Earlier, the community wanted relief from us, but now they want education for their children. That is the kind of transformation we believe in, and that inspires us to do more,”* he said.

The meeting opened with a welcome address by Dr Zahida Shah, senior doctor and Chinar board member, who underscored the need for deeper local engagement.

*“So much has been done on the ground and yet so little is recognised in the community,”* she said. *“Our community has to recognise and adopt this organisation so that its work continues uninterrupted.”*

Attendees also viewed short films showcasing CHINAR’s grassroots impact across the region.

Looking ahead, Shahmiri said the organisation will prioritise new partnerships, expanded outreach, and stronger community participation.

The session concluded with a Q&A and closing remarks by board member and noted psychiatrist Dr Mushtaq Margoob, who highlighted the importance of collective effort in realising Chinar’s mission of transformation through empowerment.