“I am a person with a disability…I can not even pick a stick.. How was I involved in the clash?” Rafiq said while talking to Miles2Smile
A violent clash occurred during a Durga idol immersion procession in Bahraich, leading to the death of one individual and injuries to many on October 13, earlier this year. The clash swept over the city after a 22 year old man identified as Ram Gopal Mishra was shot dead with a bullet piercing through his chest as he was seen replacing the green flag with the saffron one.
Soon after the death of Mishra the city Bahraich and its neighboring areas came on edge for days, witnessing various incidents of arson, vandalism and destruction. Disturbing visuals made rounds on the social media platform narrating the horrific ordeal of the residents. As per the eyewitnesses, the mob went on rampage, selectively targeting Muslim properties, ransacking, vandalizing and setting them ablaze.
Amidst this horror and havoc Miles2Smile went on ground to learn the details. On entering the violent ridden areas we saw burned properties and closed shops. We met many survivors and heard many stories. But a few stories punctured our hearts, Rafiq’s story is one among them.
Rafiq, 39, a person with disabilities lost his E-rickshaw, the only source of income in the violence. He told Miles2Smile that he was stuck in the violence, got scared and eventually hid in a house, leaving behind his E-rickshaw.
“I got stuck, and to save my life, I left my E-rickshaw and ran away,” Rafiq said.
“Later, I found out that my E-rickshaw was set on fire… I am a person with a disability…i can not even pick a stick.. How was I involved in the clash?” he added.
On further conversation Rafiq told Miles2Smile that he is a widower and lost his spouse three years ago. Rafiq has the responsibility of three children on his shoulders and now they are forced to starve.
“My E-rickshaw burned down… I’m not earning anything, there is no ration in my house… my children will die of hunger,” Rafiq said.
Tears flowed over Rafiq’s cheeks while he was telling about his loss. His pain was palpable enough to create a pain in our hearts. We promised to gift him an E-rickshaw and help him earn like before. Our mere promise could earn Rafiq’s heart and make his day.
Hope in the Midst of Despair
On reaching back to Delhi, we notified about a fundraiser for Rafiq’s e-rickshaw to our contributors and supporters. Our fundraisers reached the masses and we were able to raise the desired amount in a short span of a month.
Once the fundraiser was completed, we immediately travelled to Bahraich to gift him an E-Rickshaw.
“This E-rickshaw has been brought to me by Aasif Bhai, it is very good, and I am extremely happy to see it,” Rafiq said while exploring his new E-Rickshaw.
“Aasif bhai has fulfilled his promise, he got me the E-Rickshaw. Giving this E-Rickshaw, Aasif bhai has made me very happy,” he added.
From wipers of the E-Rickshaw to rain shades, he happily explored his source of income and his smile gave us happiness and warmth, motivating us to work more and earn smiles.
We wish a happy life to Rafiq and look forward to helping more people like Rafiq
