For months, little Alviya Manoori, 11, had been carefully saving every coin and note her parents handed her, dreaming of using it for something special. But when a relief camp sprang up right outside her Shaheen Bagh home, calling residents to help the flood-affected families of Punjab, she didn’t think twice.
She turned to her parents and said she wanted to give away her entire piggy bank savings to the cause. “This is more important,” she insisted.
Alviya’s father, Dr Mohd Malik Mansoori, told the OT that when he mentioned his intention to contribute to flood-affected areas, his daughter voluntarily expressed her eagerness to participate as well. “We didn’t stop her and encouraged her to participate in charity work,” he said.
Maqsood Alam, a neighbour familiar with the family, said: “Relief collections are happening across Okhla, but what this Class V student did truly touched our hearts. Her small savings carried a big message.”
In recent days, Okhla has seen several relief camps come alive after local MLA Amanatullah Khan appealed to residents in a video message to donate generously.
“Punjab has always stood by Okhla in times of crisis,” he said. “Now, it’s our turn to stand with them.”
Alviya’s gesture has now become a talking point across the locality, inspiring others to come forward in their own ways, proving that even the smallest hands can carry the biggest hearts.
Okhla rallies for Punjab: Shaheen Bagh mosques collects lakhs
From Shaheen Bagh to Batla House and Okhla Head, the spirit of compassion is in full swing. Relief camps have sprung up across the neighbourhood to aid flood-hit families in Punjab. Several mosques have stepped forward, with Shaheen Bagh’s prominent Tayyab Masjid leading the way, collecting an overwhelming amount of relief materials and funds in just a few days.
Within two to three days, residents prepared around 300 family kits, each packed with new clothes for men, women, and children, as well as essential food items like rice, wheat, flour, and lentils. Lakhs of rupees were also donated to support the initiative.
The mosque’s Imam, who made the appeal during Friday prayers, said: “We spoke about humanity, compassion, and our responsibility as Indians how Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, everyone should come together in times of need. Our C Block and Tayyab Masjid community responded wholeheartedly. We have prepared over 300 kits and will give ₹1,000–₹1,500 in cash assistance per family. Tonight after Isha prayers, trucks loaded were dispatched.”
In just two days, the mosque collected ₹4–5 lakh in cash and material aid worth ₹7 lakh, all contributed voluntarily without any door-to-door collection.
“Shaheen Bagh’s C Block alone has contributed this much; imagine the support coming from other areas,” the Imam said. “We have been praying for our Sikh brothers and everyone in Punjab who is suffering, and for peace across India.”
Other mosques and community groups in Okhla have also joined hands, setting up relief camps and mobilising residents to contribute generously.
Several camps have been set up in Okhla
Another mosque Shan-e-Ilahi is also collecting money for helping flood-hit residents of Pubjab. Adil Ahmed said in the last one day since the announcement was made, we have been able to collect Rs 1 lakh and kits from residents. “Once we meet our requirement we will also take the items to Punjab,” he said.
Several camps have been set up by Amanatullah Khan also. AIMIM Delhi has already provided the help to Punjab. Party’s president Shoaib Jamayee, who resides in Okhla said: “The Sikh community has always stood for humanity. Whenever a disaster has struck the country, we have seen through thousands of videos and reels how the Sikh community comes forward to help those in need. Similarly, Muslims also share this spirit. This is an example for the entire nation people who value humanity help each other whenever difficulties arise.”
The Majlis team, along with volunteers from across the region, dispatched relief supplies to flood-affected areas in Punjab. Trucks loaded with essential items were given.
Representatives and elders from the Sikh community, including senior figures from local Gurdwaras, were present to oversee the operation. Speaking about the effort, Shoaib said: “If you pan the camera, you will see the large number of people from all religions standing here. It’s an amazing and beautiful sight. This truck is now being dispatched. We need everyone’s prayers.”
Elders from the Sikh community also praised the contribution of Muslim volunteers. One elder said: “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. I sincerely thank these Muslim brothers because in times of difficulty, they stand with everyone. Those standing together, bringing the rations, the truck is full, they are delivering it collectively. All the public is supporting this effort. Everyone is coming together, and all the supplies are being delivered collectively. Everyone’s contribution benefits all, and there is no doubt about this.”
The elder also expressed gratitude to people from Delhi and across the country for their support, and said: “Thanks also to the people from across the country and Delhi, who have come from far away to support this effort. Many, many thanks from here, and thank you again.”
This initiative highlights the spirit of unity and cooperation among different communities in India, demonstrating how collective action can make a tangible difference in times of crisis.
Social leaders step forward
Besides individual efforts, political and social leaders have also stepped forward to support flood-hit victims in Punjab. BJP leader Wakeel Qureshi has called for aid to be provided to those affected by the floods.
Social activist Saghir Abbasi told the OT that he recently received a call from a village in Punjab, where residents described the situation as dire. “Following the conversation, I have also decided to collect new clothes and other food items to be taken to this village. People have lost their clothes and they have nothing to wear. I have plans to collect the amount in a few days’ time so that our organisation, Samaj Sudhar Trust, is able to help the victims,” said Abbasi.
A journalists’ group named JAAP, headquartered in Batla House and headed by Mahmood Ahmed, has also appealed for assistance. Mahmood, who was previously associated with AAP before joining the MIM of Asaduddin Owaisi, clarified the initiative: “The purpose is to help the residents of Punjab, and the collection is being organised solely by journalists.”
