Train to hope

Of all the trains pulling into Bandra Terminus today morning, this one was different. Even at 5.40 am, it was difficult to sheath the excite...

Of all the trains pulling into Bandra Terminus today morning, this one was different. Even at 5.40 am, it was difficult to sheath the excitement spilling out of Saurashtra Mail.

Or the hope shining in the eyes of 60 children travelling on it, victims of the recent riots in Gujarat on their way to Raigad to rebuild their lives.

As they stepped out into the platform, chocolates and smiles greeted them. Seven-year-old Shafiq’s swollen left hand told his story of horror, while an operation hasn’t healed the injury in 12-year-old Javed’s eye. Six-year-old Husain quietly stands by his uncle. Asked about his parents, all he says is: ‘‘Mar gaye.’’

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But now, with the help of a few groups and individuals, they hope to rebuild their lives. In Raigad, 200 km away, the 60 children are being offered free education, boarding and lodging, plus emotional rehabilitation, by schools of the Royal Education Society. Dr A.R. Undre, who runs the society, says: ‘‘I wanted to take in the affected children when the riots happened, but it took a little time because we wanted to select them carefully.”

Monica Wahi, a volunteer, accompanied them. She says the children had hardly slept through the night. ‘‘One girl asked Charu (another volunteer) ‘Will we be safe there? Where will we run if a tola (mob) comes?’’ According to her, ‘‘There are many more children waiting for their chance but the school can’t take in more.”

The children were handed schoolbags and pencil boxes before they left.