Numerous NGOs, housing societies and individuals helped the victims of the Damu Nagar fire in which 2,000 houses were destroyed. The tragedy touched the hearts of many who came from all over the city to help, even if they had economically modest backgrounds, like Shamshad Shaikh (50), a streetside clothes vendor from Borivli.

Shamshad Shaikh (in orange), seen here at work in Borivli, says, “If poor people like us start counting before we help somebody, we won’t dare to help.” Pic/Sadaguru Pandit