“I was pleasantly surprised when I got a call about the monetary help. When I rescued people from the CST station I never thought I was doing something heroic. It’s just human nature to help out others at the face of tragedy,” said 28-year-old Mohammad Taufiq, a tea vendor operating from CST station. For Taufiq the station has been like a second home. On the fateful night, Chotu, as his friends call him, saved around 80 passengers dodging bullets himself. “I live in a chawl in Kalwa area with my brothers, their wives, two kids and my wife. Any kind of monetary support is welcome, as I can use it for my kids’ education. The Rs 25, 000 I got yesterday will be all spent on education,” added Taufiq.

According to the NGO, the idea behind the initiative was to express gratitude to the people who had to witness the most gruesome siege. “Many families were completely broken due to the attacks. We wanted to raise money and help these families. Since children and women were the most affected, our idea was to collect as much money as we can so that they can continue with their education, health care and shelter,” said Shaina NC, trustee of I Love Mumbai.

For 15-year-old Afroze Ansari’s family, this money has been “the biggest boon” they have ever received. “Our family has been completely destroyed. Afroze lost his parents with four other relatives. Though we are trying to move on it is definitely hard. We were struggling to make ends meet as Afroze’s father was the only bread winner. We were totally lost when we got the news about their demise,” said relative Mansoor Ansari speaking to Newsline from Bihar. “The state government has promised us several things but so far nothing has happened. With this money, we can continue Afroze’s education,” said Mansoor. Afroze was given a cheque of Rs 50,000.