In a brief interview, Devika Rotawan opened up about the nature of her interactions with the media, thoughts about national security in today’s times, and her message to the children of India
Devika Rotawan outside her residence in Amboli, Andheri West.
AMBOLI resident Devika Natwarlal Rotawan, 26, who was fired upon by terrorist Ajmal Kasab at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus just a month shy of her tenth birthday, now lives with her father and brother in a one-BHK SRA flat allotted by the government following a legal battle. The hall is adorned with certificates and bravery awards. “The month of November is important as there is a rush of memories of that fateful day, the dark night that changed everything,” the Arts graduate said.
It was Devika’s testimony that nailed Kasab and sent him to the gallows.
“For 17 years, I have been thinking of that dark November night every waking moment and will never get over it. That incident dictates every decision and every move of mine. There is almost no memory that precedes it. It is regrettable that a key perpetrator of such a heinous conspiracy is still facing investigation,” she said, referring to terrorist Tahawwur Rana, who was extradited from the US to India in April 2025. “Also, the terrorists of the Pahalgam attack are still out there,” she added.
Shot in the right leg below the calf, the pain still lingers every winter, and the gunpowder fragments of the bullet still hurt. “It is a lifetime scar, emotional and physical,” she said.
“He threw bombs and then opened fire. I could never forget his face. My dad covered me, and he walked off over my dad after kicking him. When they called me to testify, they made Kasab stand with a few other similar-looking people, but I could look him in the eye and identify him confidently. My dad had made me a strong girl. He was with me. He had identified Abu Ismail, the other terrorist with Kasab that night,” she said.
Asked about her career and future, Devika said she wanted to live for the country and combat terror. “I dream of becoming an IPS officer, and if, for some reason, I am unable to achieve this, I want to inspire all young girls to pursue such a career,” she said.
“Even today, whenever terror attacks occur, they reactivate my trauma but also strengthen my resolve to fight terrorism,” said added.
A survivor speaks her mind
In a brief interview, Devika Rotawan opened up about the nature of her interactions with the media, thoughts about national security in today’s times, and her message to the children of India. Excerpts:
You’re one of India’s youngest terror attack survivors. Do strangers ask trauma-insensitive questions? Where do you draw the line?
Yes. There are a lot of experiences where people still ask me how I feel, what was it like and many other such questions, which take me back to that day. I have learnt to handle them and know where to draw a line.
Are these annual 26/11 media interviews exhausting or healing?
There is nothing else in my life but 26/11, and I live with it every day. This is the time when everyone is more interested in me than usual, and I can convey my message and my views to everyone. For the media, it must be an annual affair, but for me, it is everyday life.
What is one question the media should stop asking you?
They ask me to recall the trauma, and expect a fresh and new reply every time. They ask me why I have been giving the same replies. This needs to stop. I have to say that replies will be the same, but my resolve against terrorism grows stronger.
What would you tell a nine-year-old survivor of violence today — something you wish someone had told you in 2008?
I have learnt just one thing that I would love to share with others. One needs to be strong and stand up against violence of any kind.
Do you think India is safer for children today?
Things have definitely improved with better security and technology — I would say about 50 per cent — but there is still scope for improvement. Terror attacks are still happening. Take the examples of the Delhi blast and the Pahalgam attack. There is a need to weed out terror at the roots.
What is your message to Gen Z?
I am not too clear about these categorisations. My message to young kids is to live in the present. They are all glued to their mobile devices, missing out on life. The trend is growing at an alarming rate, and the younger kids need to be aware of this.
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