A small cozy room with sunlight peering inside it through the window has become a permanent dwelling of Waqeel . The tranquil aroma of the place is strangely in contrast with his life. Waqeel is both an acid attack and Delhi Pogrom 2020 survivor.
His life turned upside down on February 23, 2020, when a wave of riots engulfed his vicinity Shiv Vihar, Northeast Delhi. Shiv Vihar endured the most intense violence during the Delhi pogrom of 2020. The destruction of properties, ruined homes, shattered windows, and charred walls were stark reminders of the atrocities that took place. Each burned house in the area told the story of its residents, who suffered through the brutality and may forever carry the scars of that experience.
Waqeel was inside his house when the violence broke, to scrutinize the danger of the situation he peeped out through his balcony and suddenly a splash of liquid hit in the eyes and the face. Within a second the world in front of him turned black, his eyes started to burn with blood heavily oozing out from them. It was acid that was thrown on his eyes and face. The pain and the burning sensations were so intense that Waqeel fainted and when gained consciousness he learnt that he would not be able to see the world again. For days, all he knew was a series of injections and spate of medical treatment.
A few days after the heinous incident, Mles2Smile talked to Waqeel about the change in life post acid attack and violence.
“What can I say about life now… it’s completely different. Now, I can’t see anything anymore,” he said.
He also revealed that an organization is taking care of the expense of the eye surgery however, he struggles to bear the travel and accommodation expenses.
Waqeel was the primary breadwinner for his family, but his loss of vision rendered him unable to continue working. As a result, financial difficulties forced him to step away from his job.
We could not talk to him in detail due to his failing health and constant headache but our small talk was enough to let us know that he needs financial assistance.
We enrolled three of his children to our Sunrise Public School, a relief school incorporated for the survivors of mob lynching, communal violence, targeted demolition and other hate crime.
To help him financially we have taken the onus of bearing the travel and accommodation of the medical journey.
Waqeel’s wife runs a shop to meet the ends, we have promised to restock and revamp the shop. An additional section would be established in the shop for a stationary counter.
We have also decided to enroll Waqeel’s daughter to our relief school. Her education would be our priority.
Established nearly five years ago, the Miles2Smile Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact on marginalized communities in India. From the crisis response during the pandemic to ongoing efforts in education and advocacy, the foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
