One Year from November 26, 2008

Hi Everyone,

About a year ago, Mumbai was under attack. So many people lost their lives and got hurt. I just wish this never happens again.

Around this time last year, we were all glued to the TV and the radio. Felt so helpless; could not do anything to help. After we built the website, I felt much better; it gave me a way to get in touch with so many of you and at least do something. I also learnt a lot about the world by getting involved with you all in our effort to help the victims. Thank you so much!

We raised the funds and sent a part of it to Childline India as per the agreement. They finished the ground work and recently sent us a report. They identified two families who are in need of help. Childline informed us that they are now working on creating mechanism to give them rest of the funds. We are now waiting for their response. I hope this happens soon.

I am enclosing information about those two families that Childline India sent us:

1. Afrain Sahbaz Quershi and her family
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Afrain, 6 years old girl from Baheram Pada, Bandra, Mumbai was shot dead in terror attacks at CST on 26th November,08. The family of Afrain stays near Bandra railway station. Shahabaz Quershi and Nafiza Quershi are the parents of Afrain also injured in the terror attack. After the death of Afrain Quershi, the family adopted their
brother’s daughter, Gulshan Quershi.


The Shahabaz Quershi and his family stay in single room at Behram Pada slum area in Bandra. The room belongs to his uncle. Shahabaz is working in a butcher shop as a helper. Now business is reduced and he has lost the job.

The terror attack devastated the lives of the Quershi family. Nafiza, mother of Afrain had received a bullet injury on her leg and was under treatment. The family received Rs.15,000/- from central railway office. The adopted child Gulshan goes to Kherwadi Muncipal School.

Shahabaz Qureshi has now put up a kabab stall in Bandra area. This is his present source of earning.


2. Narol Islam Azhar Mulla and his Family
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Narol Islam, 31 yrs old, was a vendor in CST terminus, Mumbai, was killed during the terror attack. He was deaf and dumb. His family consists of mother, brother, sister and her two kids (Mohammed Ali-17 years old and Ahmad Ali-9 years old). His family lives in in front of BPT colony, Zhopadadpatti, Dockyard, Below the Bridge, Mumbai.


Narol’s family lives on the footpath under the bridge of Wadibhunder, Dockyard. They have a properly built room in the slums. The room is in bad condition and the interiors are not well kept. It reflects the poverty situation of the family. The house belongs to Narol’s mother. Narol used to support his family along with his brother. His brother is married and has one six month old son. Their sister is a widow and she too stays with them with her two children. Narol’s death has affected the financial situation of the family.

The family members are not aware about the compensation money if any, received by victim’s brother Ali Islam. But recently Ali Islam has got a separate room in Sion and has shifted there with his wife. They do not have the address of this place. Victim’s brother was not available during all the three visits to the family.

Narol’s sister works as a domestic help in several houses in their area. She earns around Rs.2500 every month which is insufficient to support the family and take care of the education of her two children.

Additionally, post Narol’s death, his mother had a fall and has badly hurt herself. Her medical treatment is going on.

The death of Narol followed with the desertion by Ali Islam, Narol’s brother, has had an adverse effect on the family.


Happy Thanksgiving,

Priyanka