The communal flames devoured everything that Jamil and his son had built together
During the Ram Navami Violence of March 31, 2023, in Biharsharif, Nalanda, the tailoring shop of Jamil was looted & burnt. The shop was located in the vicinity of Murarpur’s mosque compound.
When we met Jamil, his eyes were filled with tears, mirroring the deep sorrow he carried within. With a heavy heart, he shared his anguish about the loss of his tailoring shop, a place where he had dedicated years of hard work to provide for his family.
The timing of the tragedy was especially cruel, as the approaching Eid meant a surge in demand for his craftsmanship, which was now lost in the charred remains of his once-thriving business. Hearing his ordeal, we were stunned by the depths to which humanity could sink.
On that ill-fated Friday evening, as the sun began its descent, a raging mob descended upon Jamil’s humble tailoring shop. Mercilessly, the mob looted everything in sight and set fire to the rest.
The flames leaped hungrily from corner to corner, consuming everything which included his 3 sewing machines, an interlocking machine, a wooden counter, and the neatly organised rows of colourful fabrics adorning the walls.
Soon, the acrid smell of burning fabric began to mingle with the scent of charred wood intensifying Jamil’s desperation. As the smoke cleared, a sombre silence settled over Jamil’s face.
Jamil ran the shop along with his son Irfan. Both the father son duo were appalled and dismayed witnessing the ruins of their livelihood. The loss of his tailoring shop meant not only the loss of his livelihood but also the loss of income for several months.
Being the sole provider for his large family, Jamil found himself grappling with the daunting challenge of putting a square meal on the table in the absence of any income.
Determined to help Jamil in restoring his business and bringing back his lost smile, Miles2Smile initiated a collective effort. We launched a fundraiser for all the victims of the Bihar Sharif Violence and sent Rs 1.5 lakhs to restore Jamil’s business.
Armed with the financial means to rebuild, Jamil wasted no time in restarting his shop. He wisely utilised the funds to invest in new sewing machines, fabrics, and other necessary equipment to get the shop running once again.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, upon receiving the aid, tears of both sorrow and joy streamed down their faces. Jamil’s son Irfan, filled with determination vowed to work hard again.
