On April 2, 2022, during violence orchestrated by Hindutva groups, Muslims in Karauli, Rajasthan, suffered immense financial loss. The unrest unfolded under the pretext of celebrating Nav Samvatsar, the Hindu New Year, when Hindutva forces marched into Muslim-majority areas, amplifying provocative messages and objectionable songs. What ensued was a series of targeted, premeditated attacks, mirroring similar patterns of violence witnessed across the country in recent times.
Rashid Ali, a survivor of the violence, lost his only source of income to the violence, leaving behind to make him weep. Rashid’s confectionery shop, with items displayed on it, was looted and charred down.
“I was shocked to know my shop was looted and burnt down,” he added.
When Miles2Smile went to Karauli, he was struggling to make ends meet and feeling helpless about how he was going to get back on his feet financially after the massive loss.
Miles2Smile helped him reconstruct his livelihood and regain financial stability, raised through a fundraiser for restoring his shop.
“I am happy that I have a shop again; it was possible only because of Miles2Smile’s selfless help and compassion,” Rashid said on seeking his revamped shop.
Rashid now sits inside his shop with sweets and other items displayed in front of him. The financial stability that he lost to the violence is attained again.
Miles2Smile is able to help people restore their lost happiness to hate and crime with the help of our donors. We request you to keep donating and contributing to help people like Rashid.
To learn more about Miles2Smile’s work during karauli violence click: https://stories.miles2smile.org/category/karauli-2022/
