The Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha, Sion, honoured Devika Rotawan, whose testimony as a nine-year-old victim and eyewitness to the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack led to the death sentence for Mohammad Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving terrorist. The Sabha also honoured the families of 25 soldiers who lost their lives in military operations, and the relatives of 14 civilians who died in the gunfire by the Pakistani military on Indian villages along the Line of Control during 'Operation Sindoor'. The award ceremony was organised as part of the Sabha's Independence Day celebrations.
Awards and Financial Assistance
Devika was conferred the Sri Shanmukha Shaurya Ratna Award 2025, a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakhs, and mementos. The widows of the soldiers were presented with Rs two lakhs in cash and household items worth Rs 50,000. The families of civilians killed near the LoC received Rs 2.5 lakhs each.
Patriotic Opening Ceremony
Major General Bikramdeep Singh hoisted the national flag. The programme began with the Sarva Dharma prayer and the national anthem by 79 students of the Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Vidhyalaya.
Devika Rotawan’s Remarkable Story
“At just nine years old, Devika Rotawan survived the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Shot in the leg, she later identified the lone surviving terrorist Muhammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, leading to his death sentence and rendering justice in the process to the victims of the dastardly inhuman acts of terror,” said Dr V Shankar, president of Shanmukhananda Sabha.
A bullet from the AK-47 gun carried by Kasab hit her right leg. She survived the attack and became the youngest witness to give evidence along with her father during the trial. She underwent complicated surgeries, and her education was affected. "But I am proud of doing something for the country. I am proud to be the daughter of my father, and proud to be an Indian. Now I need a job for survival, she said.
Commitment to Public Service
She said that her dream of becoming a police officer stalled when she failed to complete the required education, but she remains committed to public service. “I may not wear the uniform,” she said, “But I will still do my best for my nation.
