Devika Rotawan: The Unyielding Spirit of 26/11's Child Witness, Still Seeking Justice and a Future

When we talk about the horrific 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, certain images and names immediately come to mind. But often, the individual stories, especially those of the silent heroes, tend to fade into the background. One such name is Devika Rotawan. Just a little girl, ten years old, when tragedy struck, she became an unlikely beacon of courage, a pivotal eyewitness whose testimony helped seal the fate of terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Yet, years later, her life is far from the dignified existence one might expect for someone who played such a crucial role.

Picture this: a bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a symbol of Mumbai's vibrant spirit, suddenly engulfed in chaos, gunshots, and screams. Devika was there, an innocent bystander, hit in the leg by a terrorist's bullet. Amidst the terrifying pandemonium, she saw him, Ajmal Kasab, his face etched into her memory. Later, in a moment of extraordinary bravery that many adults would struggle with, she stood in court, face to face with the monster who had brought so much pain, and identified him without hesitation. Her testimony, sharp and undeniable, was a cornerstone in securing Kasab's conviction. A child, essentially, helped bring a terrorist to justice.

For her unwavering courage, Devika was hailed as a national hero. There were promises, you know, pledges from the government for a house, a job, support for her education, even financial assistance for her medical needs. These weren't just casual assurances; they were meant to safeguard her future, to acknowledge her immense sacrifice. But the reality, as it so often does, proved to be a harsh mistress. Years have passed, and for Devika, those promises have largely remained just that – words, not deeds.

Today, Devika’s life is a stark contrast to the national recognition she once received. She's struggling. Seriously struggling. Poverty is a constant shadow, and the persistent pain from her injured leg, which still contains a bullet fragment, is a daily reminder of that dreadful night. Her mother has passed away, her father is unwell, and her brother lives with a disability. She’s become the primary caregiver, carrying the weight of her family on her young shoulders, all while trying to pursue an education and build a life for herself. It's a heartbreaking irony that someone who helped the nation achieve justice is herself still waiting for a semblance of justice in her own life.

Recently, Devika found herself at the center of a bit of a misunderstanding, stemming from an interview she gave to a Pakistani journalist, Nasir Saeed of 'The Pakistan Times'. Many initially misinterpreted her reaching out as a gesture of 'forgiveness' towards Pakistan for the attacks. But nothing could be further from the truth. Devika was not, repeat not, forgiving Pakistan. Her intention was simply to share her story, her dire living conditions, and the profound disappointment over the unfulfilled promises from her own government. It was a plea for help, a cry for dignity, not an olive branch to a nation whose actions caused her so much suffering.

"I have not forgiven Pakistan; I just spoke about my condition," she clarified, making her position absolutely clear. Her courage in court was for her nation; her current struggle is a deeply personal one, yet it reflects a broader issue of how we, as a society, sometimes fail our heroes. Devika Rotawan's story is a powerful, often overlooked, chapter in the aftermath of 26/11. It's a reminder that while national memories focus on the perpetrators and the immediate heroism, the long-term impact on survivors, especially children like Devika, can be a lifelong battle against physical pain, emotional scars, and the crushing weight of neglect. She deserves better, don't you think?