A wave of violence swept over Khargone in 2020, taking away the happiness of many. An ocean of people lost their peace and solace. “What did I do?…What was my fault?… Why was my house demolished?” Jubeda said while standing near her vandalized house: her hard-earned house, her most valuable asset. He lost her house to the Khargone violence. Jubeda’s house was looted and vandalized.
During the Ram Navami celebrations in 2022, Khargone experienced a devastating outbreak of violence. What was intended to be a peaceful religious event quickly turned chaotic when two processions—one led by the Raghuvanshi community and the other by right-wing groups such as Bajrang Dal and Gauraksha Samiti—converged at Talab Chowk. The atmosphere was already tense, and soon clashes erupted, leading to widespread unrest across the city.
Following the violence, local authorities initiated a demolition drive, claiming it targeted illegal constructions. However, those affected had a different perspective. Many asserted that their homes and businesses were legally built, yet they were now witnessing the destruction of their livelihoods.
Read more of our Khargone story: https://stories.miles2smile.org/category/khargone-2022/
“My condition has worsened a lot. Where should I go?” Jubeda asked Miles2Smile while our team was on the survey to learn about the loss of the people of Khargone.
“Where will I go with my family…where will I go?” the question of Jubeda circled in our mind.
To answer this question, we decided to assist Jubeda in building her house again. We updated a fundraiser, and within a short period of time, we were able to help him financially to build her happy dwelling again.
“I never thought I would get my house again, but Miles2Smile has made it possible. Thank you, Miles2Smile, for all your help and kindness.” Jubeda said with a broad smile on her face and a sense of belonging in her voice.
To Read Jubeda’s mother story click: https://stories.miles2smile.org/when-neighbors-became-predators/
Over 250 homes, mostly belonging to Muslims, were devastated by brutal violence in Khargone, claiming the life of a young Muslim man. As if the suffering wasn’t enough, the very next day, bulldozers arrived, reducing their houses and shops to rubble. Miles2Smile helped these survivors of violence and restored their lost happiness.
Miles2Smile’s goal is to empower and raise awareness within communities, enabling them to overcome poverty and oppression through education, healthcare, relief work, and skill development programs. Additionally, we strive to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope for individuals, families, and communities impacted by violence and disasters.
We firmly believe that every individual deserves a life of dignity and quality. Our vision is “A World Where Everyone Has a Reason to Smile.”
