The consistency of communal riots in the country has left no room for survival, yet there are a plethora of stories of courage and transformation that hold immense importance today. Among these stories is the life story of riot-stricken Noor Alam and his family.
Forty year old Noor Alam’s eyes glistened with tears when he recollected the horror of Delhi Pogrom 2020. From the terrace of their home Noor Alam and his family witnessed the sudden flames, clouds of smoke, and cries of their neighbour.
They remained locked inside their home, only to wait for the violence to end. On the suggestion of a relative, Noor Alam and his family dimmed the lights in their homes to mislead the mob that the house was empty. They spent the night in fear, praying to the Lord for their protection.
In the morning, on request of Noor Alam’s brother, they walked out of their house and reached Shiv Vihar’s bridge to meet him. They took refuge at their house for several days, potentially for their safety.
Shining through Adversity
Amidst the horror and riots, they lost their colour of life. Dawood, the eldest son Noor Alam could not seek admission in a Government school before the deadline.
Noor Alam, the only breadwinner of the family, found it difficult to make the ends meet,and the entire family had to face severe ramifications. Noor Alam’s wife, Warisha, seeing her family’s condition, felt helpless. But hope ignited when she learned about Miles2Smile.
Miles2Smile, was initially incorporated to help the survivors of Delhi Pogrom 2020, and other violence. It yet again showed life to Noor Alam and his family. It enrolled Dawood and Zubair, the sons of Noor Alam, in Sunrise Public School.
Sunrise Public School, a relief school established by Miles2Smile provides education to children who are deprived of it. Irrespective of the background, it imparts knowledge to hundreds of students and helps them achieve their dreams.
Dawood and Zubair, full of dreams and plans, believe they can change the world. They are determined to make a life for themselves and their family. They study under the roof of Sunrise Public School to make a change.
Warisha demonstrated a desire to study and earn money to Aasif Mujtaba, the founder of Miles2Smile. On seeing her zeal and enthusiasm, Miles2Smile helped her join Sabaat, a tailoring centre.
Sabaat, an initiative of Miles2Smile, was initially established to empower riot- and violence-stricken women. It is a place where resilient women like Warisha, learn necessary skills through various courses.
Alongside stitching, Warisha learns the English language at Sabaat. I live in Shiv Vihar. I am studying English, Arabic, and Urdu. I want to be… I want to be a teacher,” she narrated among the other women survivors of Shiv Vihar violence.
Everyone is fond of Warisha’s skills, and her grit inspires them. On being asked about her motivation to learn new things, she said, “ I take my daily dose of motivation from Noor Alam, my husband.”
Noor Alam’s youngest daughter, Sarah, told Miles2Smile that she wished to join school like her brothers. Miles2Smile, seeing her eagerness, enrolled her in Sunrise Public School. Sarah is excited to turn new pages in her life.
Noor Alam, who stood as a strong pillar for her family, struggled with meeting ends. Miles2Smile paved his way by opening a spiral potato shop for him. He rotates the skewers of his spiral potato shop and earns a decent amount. The crowd he sees at dusk makes him elated.
In addition to all these, Miles2Smile provides them with medical assistance and tries to make their lives easy in every aspect.
