With enthusiasm, devotion, and dedication, students gather to celebrate the 4th annual day at Sunrise Public School in Loni. Founded by M2S four years ago in the aftermath of the Delhi Riots 2020, the Relief School has been a source of hope and education for the community, especially those directly affected by the violence.
The event commenced with Ms. Masha, a dedicated tutor at the primary level, emphasizing the vital role of education, particularly for the girls, in catalyzing positive transformations within families and society at large. Mr. Islmmudin and Ms. Gulnaz gracefully hosted the entire proceedings, adding warmth and charm to the occasion.
The presence of esteemed guests such as Khalida Parveen, a renowned social activist from Hyderabad, and Aishani Khurana, a PhD researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago, USA, highlighted the significance of the event.
Acknowledging the commendable efforts of various organizations in the aftermath of the violence, the chief guest, Khalida Parveen, lauded Miles2Smile for its remarkable impact and effectiveness in bringing about positive change. Aishani Khurana stressed the importance of women’s education and the need for prioritizing girls’ education within the school system. She focused on the women who are suffering after the loss of their breadwinners during the riots.
Students presented a diverse range of performances, including dances, songs, Tarana, Qawali, skits, and heartfelt speeches, thus captivating the audience throughout. Among them were students who had tragically lost their fathers in the turmoil of Delhi. The event culminated in a mesmerizing, expressionless dance performance that touched the hearts of all present.
Emotions ran high among the audience as students like Khushi, the daughter of a victim of the Delhi riots who was shot and burned, Anas, who lost his father, and many others whose lives were shattered by the violence showcased their talents through dance performances.
Young girls wearing the abayas sewed by Sabaat Center, another initiative by Miles2Smile for the women of riots, expressed solidarity for Palestine. Alif, a six-year-old, was seen holding a poster with the name of Palestine on it, advocating for peace and justice. Other students joined her, thus creating a beautiful mixture of innocence and resilience. Boys were seen wearing kifayah, thus giving the essence of Arabic culture.
The atmosphere presented solidarity for Palestine while young girls wearing abayas crafted by the Sabaat Center, an initiative by Miles2Smile for women affected by Delhi violence, stood united in support of Palestine. Among them, Alif, a 10-year-old, proudly held a poster bearing the name of Palestine, advocating a message for peace and justice. Joined by her friends, the overall display portrayed a blend of innocence and resilience. Meanwhile, boys suited up in kifayah, which gave the essence of Arabic culture.
Aasif Mujtaba, founder and director of Miles2Smile, reflected on the collective efforts that had led to the school’s inception and growth. Recalling the time when he had conceived the idea of starting a relief school and how he stayed adamant on his goal, he encouraged everyone to continue dreaming and striving for loftier goals.
Students were recognized for their achievements in the previous session, receiving medals and certificates, while teachers were honored with mementos as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
In his vote of thanks, Principal Mohd Danish expressed gratitude to the entire staff for their tireless efforts in organizing such a grand event. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the foundations, whose vision and groundwork have contributed to bringing about positive changes in the lives of the riot survivors and the community at large.
