Nepalgunj – The scorching heat has taken its toll on the streets of Nepalgunj, rendering them deserted and inhospitable. The sweltering conditions have forced many to seek refuge indoors, away from the relentless heat. However, amidst this desolation, there is one man who refuses to let the heat dampen his spirit of compassion and service.
Meet Aziz Malik, a 30-year-old resident of Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city-5 Ganeshpur, who has taken it upon himself to provide a respite from the heat to those in need. Armed with bottles of drinking water, Aziz has become a familiar sight on the streets of Nepalgunj, offering refreshing relief to passers-by. His selfless act of kindness began last Saturday, as the summer heat intensified, and Aziz decided to take matters into his own hands.
In a heartfelt gesture, Aziz shared, “People who have the means can purchase cold water to quench their thirst, but those who lack the financial resources are left without this basic necessity.” With this realization, he embarked on a mission to provide drinking water to the parched souls he encountered along his path. On the first day alone, Aziz distributed five boxes of water, pouring them into plastic glasses and offering them to auto and rickshaw drivers, as well as pedestrians. Yet, he humbly asserts that this is not a mere campaign or publicity stunt but rather a genuine act of humanity.
The seeds of Aziz’s mission were sown during a moment of personal realization. Just a week prior, on a scorching Saturday morning, he had journeyed to the Indian market in Babagunj for work, with no money in his bank account. As the unforgiving heat bore down on him, Aziz found himself consumed by an overpowering thirst. However, to his dismay, he discovered that there was no water source in sight along the way. His mobile phone had run out of battery, leaving him unable to reach out to anyone for assistance. Dehydrated and exhausted, he finally found solace in a glass of water upon returning home. It was in that moment that he truly comprehended the significance of thirst, which ignited the flame of compassion within him and spurred him into action.
Aziz’s efforts are not without a tinge of sadness. He questions the inability of the local authorities, with their substantial budgets, to arrange for water supply in his ward. “How much budget is required to maintain a small water tank?” he wonders. Nevertheless, undeterred by the lack of support, Aziz has distributed nearly 100,000 liters of water in just five days. The Nepalgunj-11 Ward Office has extended its support to his campaign by providing a water tank, and inspired by his unwavering commitment, other young individuals have joined in his noble endeavor, distributing free cold water at Charbahini Chowk in Nepalgunj.
In a parallel effort, Humanity Nepal Banke launched a water distribution project under the slogan “Let’s all join hands in search of lost humanity.” The president of Humanity Nepal Banke, Madhusudan Adhikari, expressed concerns about the extreme heatwave in Nepalgunj and the ensuing thirst experienced by pedestrians. With the aim of revitalizing humanity, they distributed 500 liters of water to 1,000 individuals on a Sunday. Despite financial limitations, the organization is committed to providing water for a week and hopes for assistance from the community to sustain their efforts in the future.
Nandalal Vaishya, a dedicated social worker, commends the innovative work of the younger generation, recognizing its power to foster community connection and cooperation. He emphasizes the importance of following Aziz’s commendable example, urging others to embrace the spirit of service.
As the heatwave persists, Aziz Malik and the compassionate souls of Nepalgunj stand as beacons of hope, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the simplest acts of kindness can restore our faith in humanity. Their selfless dedication serves as a powerful reminder that the true measure of a society lies not in its wealth or progress, but in the compassion and care shown to those in need.