Miles2Smile commemorated the 78th Independence Day of India with immense pride and patriotic zeal at Kala Mahal on August 15, 2024. The event was held at the terrace of the Madrassa, where students presented their love for their nation through spectacular performances.
Miles2Smile believes in instilling a sense of love, harmony, peace, and unity in the nation-builders of our country by celebrating Independence Day every year at their educational centers. These celebrations not only fulfills the aforementioned aim but also brings a wave of patriotism into the lives of students.
The celebration began with the flag hoisting ceremony, where the unfurling of the country’s tricolor flag was followed by the national anthem and the release of a myriad of balloons and vibrant color confetti in the sky.
The chief guest, Aasif Mujtaba, Director and Founder of Miles2Smile, highlighted the work of our freedom fighters. He explained how selflessly they sacrificed their love, comfort, happiness, family, and everything else for the country and its future. Continuing his speech, Mr. Mujtaba talked about the responsibilities that we, the proud citizens of India, have on our shoulders. He further talked about the significance of unity and harmony and how one should contribute to philanthropic work to help the needy, thereby spreading positivity.
Following this, the kids dressed in tricolor costumes recited the Quran in melodious qirat and gave heart-touching speeches to show their love for the country. After delivering profound words, the girls pursuing Alimah conducted a quiz competition on ‘the history of India.’ What a competition it was! Full of learning and excitement.
Next came the most-awaited performance, the poem competition. Students with buzz and excitement read the patriotic poem they penned down from the core of their hearts. The students channeled their love for the country through their words and left the audience awestruck.
As the program came to an end, the students of Kala Mahal expressed their gratitude to Miles2Smile for helping them in their toughest times and for taking care of them throughout. The roots of the students at Kala Mahal belong to a poor family, so Miles2Smile helps them complete both their worldly and spiritual education.
A group of students at Kala Malah includes those who have witnessed the merciless demolition of their previous mosque and madrasa, the centuries-old Akhunji mosque in Mehrauli. Their mosque was not just a place of worship for them, and their madrasa was not just a learning center for them; they were their homes.
In the wee hours of January 30, the DDA demolished the Akhunji Mosque and the madrassa adjacent to it without prior notice. These students were not even given the time to wear a sweater, put on their shoes, or pack up their belongings.
When Miles2Smile went to see them, they were shivering in the chilling cold breezes of January, standing near the debris of their madrasa and mosque without sweaters. They were barefooted, crying their hearts out, engulfed with grief and helplessness. Miles2Smile promised them a better life.
True to their promise, Miles2Smile relocated them to Kala Mahal, facilitated their admission, and has been taking care of their small and big needs ever since the demolition. In addition to this, Miles2Smile has embarked on a new mission to collaborate with Madrassa Kala Mahal in sponsoring Alimah and educating them without hindrance.
