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
==============================================

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
===============================================

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

Spring Time in Maryland and Cherry Trees

It is Spring time in Maryland and we also have Spring break at the school. So this week we do not have classes. This is also the time for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. The banks of the river Potomac look so beautiful with the white Cherry flowers. I was learning about the history of these trees. They came from Japan. In 1912, the people of Japan gave Washington D.C many Cherry trees as a gift of their friendship. Starting with simple ceremony in 1912, the Cherry blooming time became a national festival. The celebration gives everyone to celebrate the culture, food, and music of Japan. So many people from so many different cultures come to see the blooming trees and experience a taste of Japan. When I was there, I learnt how to write the Japanese word flower on a paper using a paint-brush. I never thought of writing words like painting. It is so cool. I was also thinking about how little things in life can connect so many people around the world and make us do beautiful things. Even a tree can create a bond between all of us. That is so amazing.

On a different note, we kicked off the project with Childline, India. We sent the 1^st installment of funds. They will get back to us in about 8 weeks and with a list of children who suffered in the Mumbai attacks and need help. We will send the second installment of funds after that.

We also got a lot of help from our journalist friends and many others. Hindustan Times and Indian Express, leading newspapers in India, published articles about our effort. I would like to thank Ms. Alifiya Khan, from Hindustan Times and Ms. Kavita Iyer, from Indian Express, for their effort and help spreading the word. Here are the links to the articles:

Hindustan Times Article:

http://www.kidsformumbai.org/Hindustantimes-April-02-2009.pdf

Indian Express Article:

http://www.kidsformumbai.org/IndianExpress-April-07-2009.pdf

Priyanka

KidsforMumbai Signed Agreement with Childline India, March 25, 2009

We just signed an agreement with Childline India. The agreement has lots of legal terms and defintions. So I am just summarizing the main terms of the agreement:

1. Childline will identify the kids and families who suffered from the Mumbai attack and need help. They will provide us the list within 8 weeks of the first installment of the funds for supporting the initial effort. Childline will charge 3-7% of the total amount, possibly less for supporting the transportation related costs of their staff.

2. After kidsformumbai approves the list and provides rest of the funds (will happen within 4 weeks), Childline will start dispensing the funds to the identified kids and their families. They will collect receipts and take pictures of the kids/families who got help and send that to us. This process will be finished within 2 weeks from the date Childline receives the second installment of the funds from KidsforMumbai.

KidsforMumbai is donating the $500 we raised for this cause. This is equivalent to approximately Rs 25,000 in Indian currency. If anyone needs more information about this agreement please let me know.

We need your help in making this a success. We particulary need help from our friends who live in Mumbai in making sure that the funds reach the right people. Once Childline sends us the list of kids/familes who need help, we will need your input in finalizing the list.

Thanks,

Priyanka

Everyone Is Special, Even Marty Is....

I wanted to post this for a while. I fell sick with fever and it slowed me down a little. It is about the movie Madagascar I saw recently.

Few weeks ago my whole grade had a presentation on different countries around the world. My group was researching South Korea. All the parents were there. While watching the other presentations I was thinking that every country in the world is special and everyone should also feel special in the same way; we all have something special and often we don't even think about that. A few days ago I watched the movie called Madagascar-II along with my mom and dad. The main characters are Marty the zebra, Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe and, Gloria who is a hippopotamus. All of them go to Africa. In one part in the movie, Marty finds a bunch of zebras and they look exactly like him. So when Marty showed them all his tricks that he could do and thought that he was unique, the other zebras could do also them at first try. Then Marty thought that he wasn’t unique anymore and in fact he thought there was nothing special about him. So his friend, Alex found something unique, special about him, he said that he was white with black stripes and the other zebras were black with white stripes. I thought that was so nice. Just looking at things in a different way can make us feel you so special and that makes us happy.


On a different note, we are almost there in terms of our fund raising. We will send the funds to Childline India soon. My dad has sent out the paper-work to them. I also wanted to let you know that Mr. Malineni, the coordinator of the Portland Peace Vigil sent me a note with kind words. Here is a link to a video of their vigil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfQbJ-4g2QI

--Priyanka

February 9, 2009 Thank You, Priyanka and Kids for Mumbai Supporters

Dear Priyanka,

Thank you for reminding me how important it is to speak out and to take action. I have been so inspired by your words and your actions. It is a gift for me and my family and friends to be able to help you build a world that is focused on peace and love ... a world in which people can, and do, take action to help others.

I also appreciate the opportunity to be in partnership with all the children and families around the world who have joined you through Kids for Mumbai.

The world will not change if we keep our thoughts in our head ... it will change if we share our convictions, speak out about injustices, seek partnership with others, and take positive action. Thank you for reminding all who experience your blog and Kids for Mumbai of this.

Sincerely,
Kimberly
Maryland, USA

On a Snow Day.....

Today was a snow-day. We had no school. My Mom stayed home in the morning so that I could have lots of fun sledding in the backyard. Today was also a special day. When I went to our blog and website I saw many people donated and posted! I was happy to see people from all around the country and world joining hands together. Thanks to the article on KidsforMumbai that Times of India, a leading newspaper in India, published today:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/US_girl_collects_dollars_for__kids_affected_by_2611/articleshow/4039090.cms

That helped a lot spreading the news. Thanks to Ms. Sonal Upreti and Ms. Nitasha Natu from Times of India for writing the article. I would also like to thank Mr. Holla, a journalist from Mumbai Mirror, for supporting our effort. Special thanks to Mrs. Kimberly Bronow, our neighbor, for sending emails to so many people. We made excellent progress in reaching our goals. It was a great day.

---Priyanka

On a Memorable Day

Yesterday was Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday. Here in America, in Washington D.C, everyone is also getting ready for the inauguration of our 44th and next President of the United States. We went to D.C. yesterday afternoon. We took the metro and then walked to the Washington Mall. My dad wanted me to experience this important part of the history. It was so nice. Everyone seems to be happy…people of all color and all race celebrating. I hope one day, we will offer many such moments in all corners of the world, including India. I was watching part of Dr. King’s speech in D.C in TV. I did not understand many of the things he said. But it certainly inspired so many people. If that created what is happening in America today in forty years then I have hope….that one day we will break the barriers and reach….yes we will….

Trident Hotel Reopens, but How Do We Open Our Heart!

Today is Christmas. We opened the presents in the morning sitting near the Christmas tree and I have been thinking…., I have been thinking about the news I read yesterday about the Trident hotel reopening. It’s great news that the Mumbai attacks didn’t stop the hotel. But how about the people? How can we open our hearts to others, particularly those from different cultures, different religions and different races?

I don’t know about grown ups but I can only talk about my own experience. When a kid meets new friends they play and hang out together. They feel happy. If a kid looks different and he or she doesn’t fit in then they feel left out; usually the kid feels that the other kids are ignoring her and she is just a piece of air. Then the kid feels sad and angry. So I think ignoring someone is not good. We should reach out and talk. Then we may make new friends. That opens our heart and that sure feels good. So I hope we can open our hearts a little as we open the Mumbai hotels.

Helping Hands

So many people are joining hands. So far about 40 people have donated. We have raised about $50. A Maryland-based company also agreed to donate some money. So I think we have a budget of around $100. I would love to raise about $500. Please help spread the word and let us see if we can do it.

I also wanted to inform you that we have been communicating with Mr. Nishit Kumar, Head of Communication and Strategic Initiatives, CHILDLINE India Foundation in order to work out a plan to help the kids who suffered from this attack. We are discussing the plan in our Google group for KidsforMumbai. Please check out our group mailing list and join hands:

http://groups.google.com/group/kidsformumbai?pli=1

Thanks,

Priyanka

Losing Your Family...

I read this story last night. I wanted to share this with you. A 13 year old boy lost his parents in the Mumbai attack who is in the Mumbai JJ Hospital. He also lost his uncles and three cousins. I was thinking about how difficult it is to lose your family...makes me so sad....

"As the boy, 13, looks up from his Mumbai hospital bed, his adult brother rests his hand on the boy's forehead, almost shielding him from the pain he does not yet know -- much of his family was killed in Wednesday's terrorist attacks....."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/01/attacks.orphan/index.html

We also got responses from several people in Mumbai who are with different organizations that work with the kids of Mumbai. We are interacting with them and trying to develop a good plan to spend the funds we are raising. We need your help in spreading the word and raising funds.

--Priyanka

A Quick Update

Thought of giving you a quick update before I head out for the school bus. Here is a summary of things that are happening:

1. We contacted Bombay Community Public Trust. This is a Mumbai-based organization. I got a mail from Ms. Dinaz Parab of BCPT this morning. They are in the process of contacting the victims' families and identifying their needs. They will compile this information within the next few days. 

2. We have contacted the Taj and Oberoi hotels (thanks to Ms. Singh) and sought their input.

3. We are also in touch with several people from the schools in Mumbai regarding this.  Thanks to my Mr. Das and my Dad.

4. My Dad is also going to get in touch with several groups of folks from Mumbai. Thanks to Ms. Shankharupa for her e-mail.

I will keep you posted. Please let me know your thoughts. We created a mailing list to keep you informed about how this is shaping up. 

As always, thanks a lot for the help. Please spread the word and we will make a difference. We will not stop until every dollar we raise reaches the victims' family.

---Priyanka

Reaching the Victims

Ms. Singh, one of our contributors, came up with a great idea today. She had heard that a boy lost both his parents. His Mom passed away couple of months ago. His Dad was a security guard in one of the hotels and he was killed in the attack. Now he is living with his grandparents. If we can locate this kid then may be we can pay for part of his education. Of course, Moshe Holtzberg is another kid who became an orphan and it will be great to help him too! Many kids were also injured. I found some names from the lists posted online:


Abdul Sheikh Sohel (Age, 5)
Akshay Tanaji Supekar, (Age 11)
Devika Natwarlal Rotawan (Age 10)
Sanju Husain Ghorpade (Age 15)
Tejas Arjungi (Age 3)


Please let us know if you can find any information. We sure need help from people in Mumbai.
Thanks for all the help. So many of you joined the cause. We created a GoogleGroup Mailing list today so that we can continue to discuss this whenever we need to through e-mails.

Getting late; my mom is asking me to go to bed.

--Priyanka

No Matter Who You Are

Yesterday we had our first snow. We also set up the reindeer and the lights in the frontyard. While I was doing that I have been thinking about why the terrorists have done this. Why do people hate other people because of religion? I always like the Christmas time of the year. I like the Christmas carols and the decorations; I also like the Durga puja and Diwali. My Dad tells me that when he was a kid he had many Muslim friends in India and he used to go for the feast during Eid and many other festivals. I also have a friend in the school who is Muslim. I have many Jewish friends. We may do different things in different religions. But why do we need to hate each other because of that? Why can't we celebrate all of them? I wonder....What I'm saying here is that no matter who you are and how different we look, we all are same inside, right?

--Priyanka

What We Plan to Do with the Funds We Raise

I came back from school today and saw so many mails and postings. Thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it. So far we have raised about $20. Hopefully we will raise more and make a difference. Here is what our current plan is. We plan to offer these:

1. Direct aid to the families and kids of the Mumbai victims. 

2. We can probably also donate to the Cama hospital for Women and Children at Mumbai.

We probably need help from people in Mumbai to make sure that the help reaches the right people. I searched the Internet for charity organizations that are active in Mumbai and found this link:

http://mumbainews.wordpress.com/2006/08/20/list-of-ngos-working-in-mumbai/

Do you have any suggestions? We really need your help in identifying the best way to spend the money we raise. My Dad told me to post a list of all the donations at our website. You can find it by following the link at the bottom of the web page. We will together raise the money and decide how to spend it based on everybody's input. If you have any suggestions then please send me an email  or post a note in the blog. Thank you! 

-- Priyanka

Babies "Made of Steel": A Story About Cama Hospital Attack

Here is an ineresting story I read today on the Internet. It is about the Cama Hospital which is only for women and children. While the terrorists were attacking some of the patients were hiding in small rooms. One interesting part was that while the fighting was going on there was a birth taking place. While the baby was taking his first breath, fighting was going on. The mother of the baby said "My child took his first breath amidst all the firing, but he did not make a sound; he didn't cry. When he grows up, I'll tell him, that he's made of steel,'' said Banu, from Mumbra. You can read more here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Panic-stricken_patients_walk_out_of_Cama_hospital/articleshow/3766744.cms

--Priyanka

World is Full of So Many Good People

I am so touched by all the support from my teachers, friends, neighbors, and family. I have no doubt that the world is full of so many good people. It sure can be a much better world. I love you all. Today, there were candle-light vigils in many places for remembering the victims. I saw many wonderful pictures. I will try to post some pictures in the website. I was going over the list of people who lost their life. Two young kids lost their life in the Taj hotel. Today, some people also suggested that we can help the Childrens' hospital that was attacked on November 26. I think that is a great idea! Some people also suggested including Google Ads in our website for raising additional funds that we can donate. Let me know what you think. --Priyanka

Humanity at Stake

The brutal terrorist attacks on 26/11/08 at Taj Mahal hotel, Hotel Oberoi, Nariman House-a popular spot for Israeli visitors, Café Leopoid, Vistoria Terimus and Cama& Alfless Hospital in Mumbai and the intensity of attack and its nature have made people of India and abroad to rethink as to how to combat terrorism unitedly. Terrorism has become major enemy of the world people.

In the multiple terrorist attacks of Mumbai 172 people including 31 foreigners died; 293 people injured; 9 terrorists killed and one terrorist captured alive.

The terrorists started action a little after 9 p.m. (ISD) on 26-11-2008(Wednesday) and it continued till 29-11-08(Saturday)

Nearly simultaneous attacks at all places were so intensive that the army, the navy and the air force were compelled to send their resources in Mumbai. Many families lost their near and dear ones in the fierce fighting.

Memory of the bereaved families lost their only earning members. Some of them may need same financial help. I appeal to the people of the world to extend their helping hand generously.

Victims of the Attack

Hi, researching on the attacks on Mumbai. In all 172 deaths and 293 injured and also 3 kids are dead. Also 9 terrorists were killed and 1 was captured. I am very sad and shocked, it's unbelievable. If you go to this link you'll be able to find the list of people who are dead or injured. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_2008_Mumbai_attacks Information about this website: In this website it has some information about the attacks in Oberoi, Taj, The Jewish House, train stations and the hospital. It also has information about what exactly happened in the attacks or sometimes it lists what some people thought about the attacks. The website is wonderful for learning about what other people thought about the attacks and has useful information. If you find any useful links please post. Thank you. -- Priyanka

Hello World

Hello world...just created my first blog. Working on the website...hopefully everything will be online soon ---Priyanka