In the wake of the violence that rocked Khargone, Madhya Pradesh on April 10, 2022, Sana (name changed) and her family, residing in the Khaskhawadi slum, found their lives taking a harrowing turn. Just two days later, on April 12, 2022, their hopes were dashed as the district administration initiated a forceful anti-encroachment and demolition drive, leaving them without a home or sources of income.
The events that unfolded on that fateful day in Khargone were marked by intense emotions as a group armed with sticks, knives, and swords targeted the Jama mosque in the Talab Chowk area in Khargone during the month of Ramadan. This incident occurred during the Maghrib prayer, leaving the community in shock. The exact cause of the violence and the responsible parties remain under investigation.
Over 250 homes, predominantly owned by Muslims, bore the brunt of this brutal violence, tragically resulting in the loss of a young Muslim man’s life. The aftermath saw a one-sided demolition drive executed under the “Madhya Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Property Act, 2021.” This swift response followed directives from the state’s Chief Minister, Shiv Raj Singh Chauhan, with bulldozers razing Muslim homes and shops, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
In the midst of this turmoil, Miles2Smile, a Delhi-based non-profit organization, emerged as a beacon of hope for the affected families. The organization’s primary focus lies in relief activities, but it also plays a crucial role in livelihood creation, healthcare provision, and educational empowerment. Remarkably, they managed to raise an impressive sum to aid the victims of both the violence and the demolition drive. These funds were swiftly distributed to provide much-needed relief, with the overarching goal of bringing smiles back to the faces of those in distress. Miles2Smile’s efforts extended beyond rebuilding homes, encompassing the restoration of businesses, all carried out with utmost transparency. The organization provided immediate financial assistance to 44 families and supported an additional 22 by providing food and essential supplies for an entire month.
However, Miles2Smile’s mission extended beyond immediate relief. The organization had already been running the “Sunrise Public School” in Loni, Ghaziabad, in collaboration with the Shaagird Foundation, primarily for the victims of the North East Delhi pogrom in 2020. Recognizing the unique needs of children who had endured the trauma of communal violence in Khargone, Miles2Smile collaborated with Smart India School under the “Shaagird” project. This collaboration ensured that 27 children, who were victims of the communal violence in Khargone, received a free education, with the foundation covering all their educational expenses.
Smart India School, a school in Khargone, committed to providing quality education and essential resources, played a pivotal role in empowering these young children. With a secure learning environment and a highly skilled faculty, the school ensured that these children had access to the same educational opportunities as any other student. Through this collaboration, these young minds were given the opportunity to rebuild their sense of self-efficacy, enabling them to take charge of their own lives and prospects. Most importantly, they were offered a chance to heal from the trauma and pain inflicted by the violence they had witnessed.
The Foundation has stepped up to ensure the education of children like Sana and many others. Their commitment goes beyond immediate help for families affected by violence, extending to taking responsibility for the education of these children. This includes covering expenses like school uniforms, shoes, and all the costs related to their schooling.
FoEJ also had the privilege of speaking with Roshni Bi, Mother of Ayesha, one of the kids whose education Miles2Smiles sponsors and one of the victims of the Khargone violence and demolition incident. As we discussed their hardships and the silver lining they found, Roshni Bi, with a voice that carried the weight of her experiences, described the traumatic incident that shook her family’s life. “It was a day we will never forget. Our humble dwelling was demolished, leaving us without a roof over our heads. We felt helpless and lost,” she recalled.
“When Miles2Smile approached us and offered to sponsor Ayesha’s education, it felt like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. They not only ensured Ayesha’s schooling but also covered all the educational expenses. This has been a tremendous relief for us,” Roshni Bi said with gratitude shining in her eyes.
Speaking about Ayesha’s progress in school, Roshni Bi shared, “Our daughter Ayesha is a bright student, and with Miles2Smile’s support, she can now dream big. She aspires to become a doctor one day. This sponsorship has not only given her an education but also the confidence to pursue her dreams.”
Another victim we spoke with was Amina, whose family was deeply scarred by the demolition incident in Khargone. She recounted the fateful day, saying, “Our peaceful existence was shattered when the bulldozers arrived. Our modest home was reduced to rubble in a matter of minutes. It was devastating, and we felt like we had lost everything.”
Amina found solace in Miles2Smile’s presence, describing it as a soothing balm on their wounds. “They not only provided us with essential relief materials but also assured us that they would sponsor the education of my son Ayan. It was a glimmer of hope that we desperately needed.”
With the support of Miles2Smile, Ayan’s educational journey received a new lease on life. Amina proudly spoke of her son’s progress, saying, “Ayan is a bright young boy with dreams of becoming an engineer. Miles2Smile’s sponsorship has made his dreams seem achievable. They cover all his educational expenses, ensuring that he receives quality education.”
We also spoke to the team of Miles2Smile: “At Miles2Smile, providing educational assistance is always the foremost priority. We believe that the chain of poverty, violence, and marginalization can be broken only through education. For the same reason, we are running a relief school for the survivors of the Delhi pogrom in 2020, where around 400 kids receive quality education, and now, in collaboration with Smart India School, we hope to ensure education and a bright future for 25 kids,” says Aasif Mujtaba, the Founder of Miles2Smile.
According to Nabiya Khan, COO of the organization, “No one deserves to be deprived of education. When a community is systematically deprived in any country, the first and foremost thing that is taken away from them is education, pushing them further into marginalization. Miles2Smile recognizes the fact that education is the most important emancipatory tool for any community seeking upward mobility. Initiatives like Shaagird are of utmost importance in today’s time.”
Mr. Asad, the Director of Smart India School, emphasized the importance of education in rebuilding lives. He stated, “Education is the cornerstone of recovery for these resilient children. By partnering with Miles2Smile, we aim to provide not just knowledge but also hope and healing to these young minds. Our school is dedicated to nurturing their potential and helping them rise above the challenges they have faced. We believe that every child deserves a bright future, and together with Miles2Smile, we are working tirelessly to ensure they get that chance.”
Mushtak, a field volunteer who witnessed the hardships faced by the affected families firsthand, shared his heartfelt perspective: “Being on the ground during such challenging times is both humbling and motivating. The resilience of these communities in Khargone is truly remarkable. As a volunteer with Miles2Smile, it’s been an honor to play a small part in their journey towards recovery. We’ve seen tears turn into smiles, despair transform into hope, and homes being rebuilt both physically and emotionally.”
Through ‘Shaagird,’ Miles2Smile is working tirelessly to provide these children with a secure platform for learning and personal growth. The organization’s ultimate aim is to actively mitigate the lasting effects of violence on these resilient young souls. In the face of adversity, Miles2Smile is indeed living up to its name, helping children find their smiles once more.
