As students walked through the vibrant banners and brochures at the Aurangabad Education Expo, the Sabaat stall chose a different approach to amplify its mission—it chose to demonstrate resilience, determination, and transformation.
Miles2Smile’s Sabaat participated in the expo to strengthen vocational training and entrepreneurial skills. The aim was to tell the youngsters the benefit of blending creativity through resilience and witnessing the transformation. It is the work that tells the story, driven by this approach, Sabaat put up the stall filled with the goods sketched and crafted by the women survivors of communal violence. Each piece told the story of resilience, determination, and the transformation the women had through Sabaat.
“Miles2Smile, through these initiatives, tells the women survivors that they matter. These initiatives help our women to gain confidence, and at the same time, they give a strong message to the young minds that riots cannot take away the resilience and talents of people. You can shine through hatred if you have determination to do something, achieve something,” said Aasif Mujtaba, Founder & Director, Miles2Smile.
The Aurangabad Education Expo stands as a signature initiative of the Minds in Motion Foundation, an organization at the forefront of educational transformation. Rooted in the belief that learning must evolve with changing times, the Foundation seeks to cultivate intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among students and educators, creating pathways for inclusive and future-ready education.
The education expo lasted for eight days—December 14 to December 21—filled with zeal and enthusiasm. The aim of this press release is to chronicle the details of the days and how each day Sabaat came close to its mission.
Day 1: December 14
Amidst the Urdu Karawan drawing competition and inaugural and facilitating programs, the stall of the Sabaat center shone through its Urdu shayri printed tote bags and frames. Students adored the passion of Urdu, still piercing through Sabaat.
“These bags with Urdu prints are so unique and beautiful. I never knew the language could be amplified in such a creative manner,” a student said.
“The first day was full of memories and inquisitiveness to unfold other days of the event,” said Waqar Yunus, a volunteer at the Sabaat stall.
Day 2 and Day 3: December 15 and December 16
The second and third days of the expo were marked by our fridge magnets and frames. The students, astonished by the pieces, aimed to blend their passion with determination and build a career in the creative fields.
Day 4 and Day 5: December 17 and December 18
The highlight of the fourth and fifth days is the memorable feedback for our mugs and plates. Each crafted with care and love.
“The plates are the products that I have never seen; I have never thought about. So elegant and so creative they are!” said a student.
Day 6 and Day 7: December 19 and December 20
The enthusiasm and charm continued on Day 6 and Day 7. The stall of sabaat epitomized not only creativity but also the continued act of learning and evolution.
“We told the students about each product, the story of women survivors, the initiative of Sabaat, the transformation of the women, and their healings. Students were motivated by the stories and aimed to strive higher to reach the heights,” said Waqar Yunus.
Day 8: The concluding day
The eighth and concluding day of the Aurangabad Education Expo brought the journey of the Sabaat stall to a meaningful close, marked by reflection. The final day also became a moment of gratitude—for the women whose work powered the stall, for the students who listened and learned, and for the space the Expo created to foreground creativity rooted in courage.
About Sabaat: The ‘Sabaat’ initiative is one of Miles2Smile’s efforts to empower women, especially those who have endured hardship, including survivors of the Northeast Delhi Pogrom 2020 and other underprivileged women.
Through the Stitching Centre, Miles2Smile offers a variety of courses designed to meet the needs of underprivileged women. These courses provide vocational skills such as stitching, tailoring, nail art, and more. Its goal is to help these women stay aligned with society by equipping them with essential skills. The organization also conducts training workshops to ensure they learn with ease.
In addition, the organization offers training in entrepreneurship development, personality development, small business accounting, financial literacy, soft skills, and health & hygiene. Women who complete the training at the center will have the opportunity to contribute to various projects within the organization, such as producing garments for sale or assisting in the production of goods for other NGOs or businesses.
Sabaat women alongside other initiatives, also put stall at Rekhta. To know about it click Here.
About Miles2Smile: The Miles2Smile Foundation, established almost five years ago, is committed to making a meaningful difference in marginalized communities across India. From responding to the crisis during the pandemic to its continuous work in education and advocacy, the foundation remains devoted to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
