In a deeply moving and thought-provoking event held at Volken Hall, Indian Social Institute, Benson Town, Banglore, Miles2Smile Foundation in collaboration with the Thousand Shades of India premiered their documentary, ‘Daughter of Resilience’, on 6th July,2024. The documentary sheds light on the untold stories of extraordinary women who have endured communal violence, mob lynching, demolitions, and hate crimes yet have risen above trauma with strength and dignity. The documentary, running for 42 minutes, is an evocative portrayal of survival and healing. It focuses on women who were once victims of violence, displacement, and loss, and who through the relief and rehabilitation work of Miles2Smile Foundation have become powerful voices of change in their communities.
The documentary screening was attended by Mr. Aasif Mujtaba, Founder & CEO, Miles2Smile Foundation, Shafaat Shahbandari, Founder, Thousand Shades of India, Dr Taha Mateen, Managing Director, Acura Hospital & HBS Hospital, Mohammed Zubair, Co- Founder, Alt News, Father Denzil Fernandes SJ, Former Director of, Indian Social Institute, Delhi, and over 120 guests including activists, civil society leaders, journalists, students, and others. The auditorium at the India Habitat Centre was transformed into a space of remembrance and resistance. With soft ambient lighting, photographs from the field hung along the foyer walls, haunting yet hopeful, showing the journey of healing and resilience.
The power of not Forgetting
”I stand before you today not just as an alumnus of IIT Delhi, not as an activist or educationalist, but as someone who had learned one of life’s most powerful lessons not in a lab or a classroom but on the streets of Shaheen Bagh in the winter of 2019, The streets of North East Delhi in 2020, the streets of Nuh Haryana in 2021, the streets of karauli in Rajasthan, khargone and Sendhwa of Madhya Pradesh in 2022, the streets of Haryana in 2023, the streets of Sambhal and Bahraich In Uttar Pradesh, streets of Mandla in Madhya Pradesh in 2024… I still remember those nights. And I will not forget…” said Aasif Mujtaba, Founder and CEO, Miles2Smile, in his opening speech.
“We gathered at Shaheen Bagh—not just as students or activists—but as citizens. As human beings. The men, the women, the children, the elderly, the working class, the homemakers, the clergy, the businessmen, the businesswomen—the rich and the poor. North Indian, South Indian. Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh. We were all there. And what bound us together was a shared refusal to forget.” he continued
For Shafat Shahbandari, Thousand Shades of India, the documentary was an experience of learning and transformation. For him, it was an experience enriching and emotional, opening a new world to him, the world of resilience.“Thousand Shades of India, the documentary was an experience of learning and transformation,” he said.
For Dr. Taha Mateen, the documentary transcended being just a narrative about the country or society. To him, it was a powerful tribute to the real heroes, our women, who have endured unimaginable pain yet continue to inspire with their resilience. He saw it as a reminder of their strength, dignity, and the urgent need to honour their stories. “This is the story of our country, our society, our heroes and our women” he said.
The documentary features stories from riot-hit neighborhoods, demolished homes, and lynching-affected rural communities. Through candid interviews, daily-life footage, and behind-the-scenes relief work, the documentary emphasizes the dignity of survivors, avoiding victimization or sensationalism.
In one heart-wrenching segment, a woman, Sajida, who lost her husband to mob lynching sits in her shop, establised by Miles2Smile Foundation. The segment depicts Sajida selling goods with a broad smile. But as we say, eyes are the windows to the soul, her eyes speak of the pain her soul carries.
Each story in the documentary is tied together not just by shared suffering, but by collective strength, solidarity, and hope. The direction by Thousand shades of India is sensitive, offers viewers a chance to witness the reality often ignored in mainstream narratives.
Following the screening, an emotional silence filled the hall, then applause erupted. Survivors in documentary received a standing ovation.
“It was really overwhelming to see all the people out there and emotional stories and everything they have been through in life.” Said Zulekha, a psychologist.
Referring to the speech of Aasif Mujtaba, Founder & CEO, Miles2Smile, a man said, “I cannot forget two things, number one, the power of not forgetting, and helping them to stand on their own feet, helping them to survive.”
“I never knew these were the problems faced by the indians, the documentary made me step into the shoes of survivors, feel their pain…” said another man after watching the documentary.
In a world where headlines often numb us and statistics blur human lives into data, this documentary peeled back the layers, revealing raw humanity, untold strength, and the quiet revolution of survival.
The women portrayed were not just survivors, they were warriors of dignity. They reminded everyone present that resilience is not just about enduring pain; it’s about transforming it into purpose. And as the guests stepped out into the night, there was a quiet resolve in the air: to remember these stories, to speak their names, and to stand with them not just today, but every day.
About Miles2Smile: Established nearly five years ago, the Miles2Smile Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact on marginalized communities in India. From the crisis response during the pandemic to ongoing efforts in education and advocacy, the foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
