By Natisha Mallick, TwoCircles.net
Eighteen-year old Shabhana daughter of Meraj Jahan is reading the Holy Quran outside her 24sq. yrds- 2 room house. She never had a formal education, but is well-read in Islamic literature.
Meraj lives with her family of 15 at Sevda Ghewra, Mundka a resettlement colony for the people whose houses (Shanties – Juggies) were demolished by the MCD in 2006. They were living in a one room shanty at JJ Colony in Laxmi Nagar, East Delhi. After their house was demolished they were homeless and lived on footpaths for almost 2 months before house was allotted to them at Savda Ghewra.
When most of the others in their block seem to be complaining about the basic amenities in the colony, this family seems to be satisfied with whatever they have. They say- “So far Allah has given us everything and we are living a modest life and are happy.”
Shabhana’s brother who is the sole bread earner works as a butcher and earns about 5000-6000 per month.
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