The riots, which have swept through Ahmedabad and other major cities of Gujarat, also affected Bhavnagar, where Hindu-Muslim relations have always been extremely good.

Sixteen lives have been lost and many shops and workshops have been destroyed. Bhavnagar people are shattered. Such things should never happen in such a peaceful city.

We have had an e-mail from Rajoo Parekh and Dhiren Pandya, friends of Charnwood Community Link, appealing for our help in replacing the tools and kitchen utensils of "innocent poor people who are earning their daily bread these are the most affected".

They estimate that between R1500 and R2000 would enable a family to earn its own living again. This is between £20 and £30.  Remember that our money buys ten times as much in India as it would here.

David Paterson is in touch with Rajoo and Dhiren, and will send the money collected to them straight away. They will buy the equipment and distribute it.

We hope to put families back on their feet and help in healing relationships in Bhavnagar.