CHINAR International Charts New Course at Annual Patrons Meeting in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: At its Annual Patrons Meeting held on Monday at Amar Singh Club in Srinagar, CHINAR International highlighted the transformative impact of its programmes across Jammu and Kashmir, and laid out an ambitious roadmap for the coming year.

Focused on empowering vulnerable children, marginalised youth, and distressed communities, CHINAR International used the platform to showcase key achievements and future strategies aimed at expanding its educational and socio-economic initiatives.

“We don’t promote charity and relief. We believe in empowerment, self-reliance and transformation,” said Irfan Shahmiri, Founder and Chairman of CHINAR International, during a detailed presentation that also featured a series of video stories illustrating the organisation’s ground-level impact. “We work towards uplifting communities so that they take charge of their problems.”

Shahmiri pointed to the Warwan Valley Transformation Project as a flagship example of the organisation’s work. “Earlier, the community wanted relief from us. Now, they want education for their children. That is the kind of transformation we believe in—and that inspires us to do more.”

The gathering brought together CHINAR’s patrons, Board of Directors, key stakeholders, partners, and community supporters. It opened with a welcome address by Dr Zahida Shah, senior doctor and CHINAR board member, who underscored the importance of greater local ownership and visibility for the organisation.

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

Looking to the year ahead, CHINAR International announced plans for new collaborations, expanded outreach, and deeper community engagement. The meeting closed with an interactive Q&A session and a vote of thanks by Dr Mushtaq Margoob, a senior psychiatrist and board member, who called for collective effort to carry forward the mission of empowerment.