In recent years, during the month of Ramadan, initiatives to distribute water, dates, and sweets to fasting individuals in traffic jams and at metro stations in Tashkent have been expanding. Volunteer groups such as “Sen dunyoga keraksan” and Shafii.uz are continuing this tradition, assisting thousands annually. Journalist Mirolim Isajonov participated in the campaigns and prepared a photo report.
Safina Islomova, head coordinator of the “Sen dunyoga keraksan” group, stated that they have been conducting the “Iftar on the Road” campaign for seven years. They target the most congested areas of Tashkent to distribute products to those fasting. Islomova said, “During such times, people fasting in metros, buses, or cars, even if they have money, cannot break their fast on time due to inability to reach shops. We provide them with food, which is both a good deed and a memorable experience for them.”
Participants note that some individuals express surprise, asking, “Wow, is this free?” and offer prayers. Others leave money in exchange for the products, with instances of donations reaching 50-100 dollars. These funds are reused to purchase more supplies. The campaign is also held in Fergana.
According to another coordinator, Ilyos Habibullayev, an average of 800-1000 fasting people receive products daily. He stated, “We intended to spend all 30 days of Ramadan on beneficial work and spreading kindness. Through our actions, we reach the hearts of thousands stuck in traffic.”
However, the groups face challenges related to a shortage of volunteers and transportation. Habibullayev added, “If we had more manpower, we could distribute food to up to 1500 fasting individuals per day. We struggle with a lack of volunteers with cars. Many cannot make it after work or studies.”
Maqsudbek Mengliyev, a coordinator of Shafii.uz, reported that since 2022, they have been running a campaign in the Tashkent metro, distributing water, dates, and sweets to 1000-1200 people daily. He explained, “Due to the absence of water shops in the metro, we consistently distribute at the transfer point between Alisher Navoiy and Pakhtakor stations.”
Mengliyev noted that 20-25 young volunteers participate daily, with products running out in 10-15 minutes. They receive supplies from sponsors like Safia, Delice, and Family, distributing them free of charge. The metro administration now supports the initiative, with no restrictions imposed.
Source: www.gazeta.uz