If there is one thread that connects the victims of terrorism in cities such as Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur and Mumbai, it's the undying strength to live life. 187 Lives: A Remembrance is a tribute to this spirit.
The city that never sleeps turned into a nightmare on 11 July 2006. A series of blasts shook Mumbai and almost crippled its lifeline – the local trains. The blasts ripped through the first class carriages at Mahim, Bandra, Matunga, Borivali, Mira Road, Jogeshwari and Khar. A series of moving portrayal of the Mumbai blasts, 187 Lives, takes you through the ramifications of this terror and the lives of those, who have lost everything but their life… their loved ones, their support.
The book also details out each of those 187 profiles of Mumbai citizens, who passed away in the blasts. On the eve of the second anniversary of the blasts The Indian Express team presents an account of the events of the day, a sketch of those who caught in the blasts and tragedy of those who were left behind – wives, parents, brothers, sisters, children and friends.
Each portrayal leads you to a direction towards living life, picking up pieces that have left us stranded. Sure, the families who have lost their loved ones will miss them every single day. But, the stories tell you that it's as though all those who passed away are still breathing and alive. It's because their relatives haven't let them pass away...they are now fulfilling their dreams. Be it painting the house or buying a cycle for their young son.
Besides tracking the vital clues that led the cops to the accused for which the trials are still going on, 187 Lives also serves as a reminder of the spirit of India and its people. It describes the acts of ordinary people who turned good Samaritans on the day of the blasts. College students, homemakers, office executives, cab and auto rickshaw drivers stayed out the whole night to help the victims and those stranded at various places. They were offering help in every manner — from giving food and place to stay to lending support.
Despite the local train network being crippled severely, the Railway authorities acted fast and the tracks were ready for operations the same night. People were back on the local, to carry on with their lives.
Today, the scenes are the same as it was before the blasts – the over-packed compartments, little boys selling cheap goods, newspapers and magazines, the squabbles for the window seat, the chopping of vegetables, men discussing politics and the stockmarket, college students talking about their crushes and movie, etc. And, the families of those affected by the blasts too are carrying on lest they miss the 6:21 Virar local to take them back home.
Book Reviews 
If there is one thread that connects the victims of terrorism in cities such as Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur and Mumbai, it's the undying strength to live life. 187 Lives: A Remembrance is a tribute to this spirit. 
