In a remarkable display of communal harmony and generosity, a Muslim man from the border village of Teetwal in Kashmir has donated a piece of land for the construction of a much-needed toilet block at the historic Sharda Temple and Gurdwara complex, located right along the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir’s Karnah area. The act, which took place on November 12, 2025, has been widely hailed as a shining example of cooperation and goodwill in a region often defined by its divisions.
According to officials from the All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), the donor, Ghyasuddin, gifted one marla of land—free of cost—for the project. For years, pilgrims and visitors to the Sharda Temple and adjacent Sikh Gurdwara had struggled with the lack of basic sanitation facilities. The government had not managed to address this issue for three years, leaving thousands of yatris and tourists in discomfort. Ghyasuddin’s gesture has now paved the way for a solution that many had been hoping for but few expected would come from such an unexpected quarter.
The story of how this donation came to fruition is as compelling as the act itself. Ajaz Khan, a local coordinator from Teetwal, carried the official land documents from his home village to New Delhi on behalf of Ghyasuddin. On November 12, 2025, Khan was formally felicitated by the AIKS at a Kashmiri Samaj event in the capital. The event served not just as a recognition of his efforts, but also as a celebration of the spirit of unity that the donation represents.
“We are grateful to the donor and felicitating Ajaz Khan, who has been coordinating for the Sharda Mission, one of the issues of AIKS since 2005,” said Ravinder Pandita, President of AIKS, as quoted by JK News Today. He added, “This noble gesture fills a gap that the administration couldn’t address for years.”
The Save Sharda Committee, which manages both the Sharda Temple and the Sikh Gurdwara at Teetwal, will soon undertake the construction of the toilet block. The committee, which has long advocated for improved facilities at the site, expressed relief and gratitude that the project can finally move forward. Notably, the Save Sharda Committee has been instrumental in keeping the temple and gurdwara running, even during turbulent times marked by cross-border tensions and ceasefire violations.
Ajaz Khan’s role in this entire process cannot be overstated. As the coordinator for all yatri arrangements, Khan has acted as a crucial link between the Army, civil administration, and the Sharda Committee. His responsibilities have ranged from logistical planning to crisis management, especially during periods of heightened security concerns. In 2014, for instance, Khan oversaw arrangements for over 10,000 pilgrims—including 2,000 Kashmiri Pandits—at the Sharda Temple. Even during Operation Sindoor and other occasions of cross-firing violations, he ensured that the temple remained open and functional for devotees.
At the New Delhi event, Khan and his wife Nasreen were presented with a memento and a shawl by AIKS bearers Arun Shali, Rajinder Premi, Ajay Pandita, Ashish Zutshi, and Kusum Shishoo. The gesture was a public acknowledgment of the tireless work Khan has done to facilitate religious harmony and support community needs in a region where such efforts can often go unnoticed.
Noted debater and researcher Sushil Pandit, speaking at the event, thanked Ghyasuddin for his “noble gesture.” According to Kupwara News Today, Pandit emphasized the significance of such acts in bridging communal divides and fostering a sense of shared responsibility among different communities. “This is more than just a piece of land; it’s a statement about who we are and what we can achieve together,” he remarked.
The Sharda Temple and the adjacent Sikh Gurdwara hold deep historical and cultural significance for the people of Kashmir and beyond. The temple, in particular, is a revered site for Kashmiri Pandits, while the gurdwara serves as a spiritual center for the local Sikh community. Both sites attract a steady stream of pilgrims and tourists, many of whom travel great distances to pay their respects and seek blessings. The lack of basic facilities such as toilets had long been a point of frustration for visitors, especially during large gatherings and religious festivals.
For three years, the absence of a toilet block remained a glaring oversight—one that neither the local administration nor higher authorities managed to resolve. The reasons for the delay ranged from bureaucratic hurdles to the logistical challenges posed by the site’s sensitive location along the LoC. In this context, Ghyasuddin’s donation is not just an act of charity but a practical intervention that addresses a real and persistent need.
The event in New Delhi also highlighted the broader impact of such gestures on interfaith relations in Kashmir. The region has seen its share of strife, with religious and ethnic tensions often dominating headlines. Yet, stories like this one offer a counter-narrative—one of cooperation, empathy, and mutual respect. As AIKS President Ravinder Pandita put it, “We are grateful to the donor and felicitating Ajaz Khan Coordinator for assisting in Sharda Mission, one of the issues of AIKS since 2005.”
For the Save Sharda Committee, the road ahead involves translating this gesture into tangible action. Construction of the toilet block is expected to begin soon, under the committee’s supervision. Once completed, the facility will serve not only the pilgrims and devotees but also the broader community of Teetwal and surrounding areas. It’s a small step, perhaps, but one that promises to make a big difference in the everyday lives of thousands.
Ajaz Khan’s track record suggests that the project is in capable hands. His coordination between the Army, civil administration, and the religious committees has proven invaluable, especially during times of crisis. According to JK News Today, Khan “looked after about 10,000 pilgrims that includes 2,000 Kashmiri Pandits at Sharda Temple during 2014 and ensured that the temple runs even during Op Sindoor and other occasions of cross-firing violations.” Such dedication has earned him the respect and gratitude of both local residents and visiting devotees.
As the Save Sharda Committee prepares to break ground on the new facility, the hope is that Ghyasuddin’s gesture will inspire others to look beyond communal lines and contribute to the common good. In a region where headlines often focus on conflict and division, this story stands out as a testament to the power of individual action and the enduring strength of community spirit.
For the pilgrims and residents of Teetwal, the forthcoming toilet block represents more than just a new building. It’s a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together for a shared purpose—no matter their background or beliefs. And for those watching from afar, it’s a timely reminder that, even in the most challenging circumstances, hope and harmony can still take root.
