How do children caught in terrorist crossfire cope? What is the psychological impact of a close encounter with terror on society’s most vulnerable? As Smitha Nair Rasquinha found out- many of them are remarkably resilient. These are the children of 26/11.
1: Devika Rotawan
Devika, now 18 years of age was the youngest witness in the Ajmal Kasab trial. She was shot in the leg in the CST attack and deposed in court at the age of 10. Today she says she dreams she will one day become an IPS officer and help fight terror.
2: Rohan Kamble and Atharva Kamble:
Rohan, now 17 and atharva now 10 are sons of Rajan Kamble a maintenance staff at the Taj who was killed in the attack. Rajan was one of the 3 Taj staff to be lauded for helping save lives. His sons, ever proud of their father say they miss him terribly.
3: Sharvari Khot
Sharvari, 15 now was caught in the attack at CST. Her mother and uncle were grievously wounded. She strongly believes, she says, God saved her because she has a purpose in life
4: Viraj and Anjali Navadia:
Then 1and half and 3 years old, lost their mother in the attack at CST. Their father also shot and grievously wounded struggles to this day, financially and emotionally as he keeps his family afloat.
5: Vikas Ughade
Vikas, now 24 lost his father Baban Ughade in the attack at CAMA hospital. He was the security gurad on duty. Vikas says the family lost the only earning member but his mother ensured he completed his education.
NOTE: THE RATNANIDHI CHARITABLE TRUST (RNCT) HAS BEEN GIVING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN AFFECTED BY TERROR ATTACKS. THEY HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE EDUCATION OF ROHAN AND ATHARVA KAMBLE, SHRVARI KHOT, VIRAJ AND ANJALI NAVADIA NAD VIKAS UGHADE, FEATURED IN THIS REPORT.
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