Lko’s ‘adab’ in action, city units to rebuild lives after slum fire

LUCKNOW In the wake of Wednesday’s devastating Vikas Nagar slum fire, Lucknow is proving that its famous ‘adab’ is not just about polite etiquette – it’s a deeply ingrained instinct for compassion. From far-flung neighborhoods to adjoining districts, citizens step forward to provide not only essential relief, but a profound sense of care that reflects the city’s enduring identity of tehzeeb.

By Friday, the range of support had visibly increased. NGOs, individuals, political groups and even acquaintances of the victims arrived with supplies, each contribution carrying a personal touch. Food was in such abundance that many families had to politely decline further offerings. “There are almost 1,000 people here, and no one is hungry. In fact, we ate more than usual and even stored food,” said Parveen, one of the survivors. “It shows humanity is still alive,” she added.

But what stood out was how the aid evolved beyond food. Sanitary napkins, soap, clothing, and tarps began to flow in, ensuring that dignity was maintained along with survival. In one poignant case, a family installed a fan powered by a donated solar panel, providing relief from the sweltering heat despite the absence of electricity.

Ruksana, a domestic help, said the solar panel came from her employer. “She understood our situation. She told me to take leave and gave it so we can cope in this heat,” she said. Her husband Md Qasim, who runs a small roadside salon, added that his regular customers also contributed money and clothes. “People we hardly expected to help came forward,” he said.

Young volunteers also brought a thoughtful dimension to the relief work. “As a woman, my first concern was hygiene and menstruation,” says Parisha Singh, 21, who runs a city-based NGO. “We saw that most people were bringing food, so we decided to focus on sanitation and dignity,” she said, adding that her team, mostly under 25 years old, quickly mobilized after seeing appeals on social media.

Even local Instagram creators have joined in, using their platforms to raise funds and channel support directly to the affected families. A vendor running a biryani shop in Gomti Nagar closed his shop and distributed biryani to the survivors.