Egg auctioned for Rs 25,000 in Ladakh as donations pour in for Iran war victims

Leh, Ladakh: In a striking gesture of solidarity, a single egg was auctioned for Rs 25,000 in Leh district as residents stepped up donation efforts for victims of the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The symbolic act came during a local donation drive, where people contributed money, jewellery, precious metals and even everyday items to support those affected by the war.

Explaining his decision, local resident Shabir Hussain said, "... Everyone knows that the price of an egg is Rs 10. I didn't pay Rs 25,000 because I said I had it... It sends a message to us that children in Iran are being subjected to so much oppression... So I paid Rs 25,000 for them... We are ready to give our lives. We are alive for this community. We have to follow whatever our leader tells us. Till now, our leader has not given us any orders..."

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The donation drives in Ladakh have seen widespread participation, with residents offering cash, gold, silver, and other valuables. In a touching moment, a child broke her “gullak” (piggy bank) to contribute, while several children donated their bicycles as a mark of solidarity.

These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives across the region to support people in Iran affected by the conflict over the past month.

Similar scenes were witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chanderkot area in Ramban district, where hundreds from the Shia community gathered at an Imambara to donate financial and material aid. 

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Contributions ranged from household utensils to gold and silver ornaments, with women even removing bangles and earrings to donate. A man also donated his sheep.

In Budgam, locals too contributed gold, silver, and cash towards relief efforts.

Acknowledging these gestures, the Iranian Embassy in India on March 22 expressed gratitude for the “kindness” and “humanity” shown by Indians through their donations to help rebuild lives affected by the conflict.