“The Community Servants Budgam: A People’s Movement for Hope, Reform, and Responsibility”

By Nazia Amin

The Community Servants Budgam: A People’s Movement for Hope, Reform, and Responsibility

In the valleys of Kashmir, amid its beauty and turmoil, a grassroots movement is rising — a movement led by ordinary citizens with extraordinary resolve. The Community Servants, Budgam is more than a name. It is a promise — to uplift, to heal, and to transform a community that has long struggled under the weight of neglect, addiction, and disconnection.

Our Purpose: Unity, Cleanliness, and Culture

Founded on the principles of unity, accountability, and compassion, The Community Servants, Budgam is a political-free, humanist and inclusive initiative.

Our aim is to address social issues, empower youth, and preserve the cultural identity of Budgam. We do not represent any political interest—only the people. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that progress begins when communities reclaim their strength from within.

The Crisis Among Our Youth: A Battle We Must Win

Today, a harsh reality haunts our region: the widespread drug abuse that has taken deep root, especially among the youth. Whether in Budgam or elsewhere in Kashmir, addiction is tearing families apart and stealing futures. 

Our mission is clear — we must intervene, we must educate, and we must offer an alternative path.

We believe in transformation, not punishment. Many of our young people involved in drugs need support, guidance, and compassion, not isolation. We provide mentorship, awareness campaigns, and, most importantly, emotional and spiritual counselling. Sadly, many families are unaware or even complicit, unable to guide their children.

This is where our work begins — with awareness, empathy, and collective action.

We Do Not Tolerate Wrongdoing—We Correct It

Our purpose does not end at simply observing what is wrong. If we see someone straying from the right path, we will try to stop them. And if our efforts are ignored, we will take firm, just action — because silence is complicity. What is wrong in the eyes of Islam, what is wrong in our shared humanity, will remain wrong.

And we will always stand against it.

What We’ve Done So Far: Action That Speaks

From cleaning graveyards and shrines to organizing street sanitation drives and public service campaigns, The Community Servants are taking small but powerful steps to restore dignity to Budgam. We have reached places long forgotten by civic institutions and reminded people that their surroundings reflect their soul. Cleanliness is not just about hygiene — it is about self-respect, discipline, and pride in one’s land.

Addressing Everyday Problems

Real community service means being present in everyday life. We help with electricity, water shortages, road issues, and supporting the underprivileged. No concern is too small when it affects someone’s dignity. We listen. We act. We serve.

Reclaiming Budgam’s Reputation

Budgam, unfortunately, has earned a reputation that we are determined to erase. Sometimes mockingly called the “United States of Badgam”, it has become synonymous with neglect and disorder. We don’t want this label to continue. Our vision is to create a Budgam that future generations will be proud of — a Budgam known for its unity, education, culture, and resilience.

Learning from the Past, Building the Future

We acknowledge that mistakes have been made. But we cannot be imprisoned by them. What we can do is ensure that these mistakes are not repeated. Whether it’s drugs or other social issues, we believe Budgam deserves a fresh start and we are here to build that future together.

Why We Exist: For You, With You

We built this community initiative to stand by every young person, every family, and every individual who needs help. Whether it’s a problem at home or on the streets, we are available. We are here to bring change, to reshape Budgam’s identity and revive its lost spirit. But we cannot do this alone. We need you. Your voice, your support, your presence.

Join Us: Let’s Build a New Budgam

Together, we can clean not just the streets, but the soul of our community. We can replace stigma with dignity, and silence with courage. The Community Servants, Budgam is not just an initiative — it’s a movement. And every movement needs its people.

Let’s make Budgam what it was always meant to be: proud, strong, united.

~BY NAZIA AMIN