Mumbai:
"Give Kasab such a punishment that will quell the fire of hatred within us. And if there's a punishment worse than hanging, give him that."
The words seem to be coming straight from the heart. And the speaker was someone who had survived the 26/11 terror attack.
Organised by Sisters Against Violent Extremism (SAVE), the workshop in Mumbai titled, 'Our Stories, Our Future', will continue till Friday.
The participants -- women between nine and 70 years of age -- are the wives, sisters, mothers and daughters of police personnel who were injured in the 26/11 attacks.
The workshop ends a couple of days before the judgment on 26/11 accused Ajmal Kasab is to be pronounced on May 3.
"The workshop is to bring victims together, so they have a common platform," said Vienna-based Dr Edit Schlaffer, founder of SAVE.
Said Archana Kapoor of the Indian chapter of SAVE, "It is designed to take participants from the past, to the present and the future through different mediums. The women were told to pour their feelings on paper. And a variety of images spilled onto the drab, white sheets -- anger, confusion, and hope were just a few of these."
Sarika, who survived the firing at Cafe Leopold, said, "It was a near-death experience. This is a re-birth for me."
Sandhya Nikam, who lives near Rang Bhavan, shared a similar sentiment.
"The gunshots seemed to be coming from right next door. I clutched on to my children, trembling with fear that the shooters would kick our door open any moment," Nikam said, the quivering voice mirroring her angst.
Kaantaben Daastani had written 'Om' on a page. "This is a thanksgiving for God who gave me back my granddaughter," said the 70-year-old.
Her granddaughter Meenakshi, who survived the attack at Cafe Leopold was present at the workshop with her mother and grandmother.
A swimming workshop, especially for children, is also on the agenda. The credo is that sport, is a healthy medium to help cope with tragedy.