Widowed in Communal Violence, Phoolabai Finds A New Start After Three Years With ‘Hindu…

Widowed in Communal Violence, Phoolabai Finds A New Start After Three Years With ‘Hindu Kirana Store’

In 2022, Phoolabai Gond’s husband was killed in a hate-driven attack during Holi near their all-tribal village in Raisen, MP.

Hari Dhurve, 55, was crushed under a tractor in the dark by a mob.

The violence was triggered by a scuffle earlier that day, after some tribal youths accidentally sprinkled colours on members of another religious community. Hari was among a group of men who went to the nearby village of Khamariya Khurd to discuss the incident, but they were met with an ambush.

The case made headlines briefly. But soon, faded.

Trauma doesn’t end with news cycle. When social organisation @sewanyaya got in touch Phoolabai last month, it was revealed that she had no means of earning.

On her request, the organisation has opened a grocery shop for her – just how she wanted it.

Phoolabai and her village Chainpur have named it ‘Hindu Kirana Dukaan’ as a tribute to her husband and a quiet statement against hatred.

Watch: