Mumbai: This year, on India’s 79th Independence Day on Friday, August 15, 26/11 terror attack survivor Devika Rotawan, alongside the families of civilians and martyred soldiers who died in the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, were honoured at the Sri Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai.
Major General Satinder Singh, Chairman of the Board of Administration for the Canteen Stores Department of the Indian Army, and Brigadier Gyan Trivedi, Station Commander of Mumbai, presented the honours.
The survivor of Mumbai’s 26/11 terror attack, Devika, was awarded the Sri Shanmukha Shaurya Ratna Award 2025, along with a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakhs and additional mementoes. The widows of the soldiers were gifted ₹2 lakhs in cash and household items worth ₹50,000. Each family of the civilians who lost their lives received ₹2.5 lakhs.
The programme began with Major General Bikramdeep Singh hoisting the National Flag, followed by a Sarva Dharma prayer and the national anthem, performed by students from the 79 Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Vidhyalaya.
“At just nine years old, Devika Rotawan survived the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack. She was shot in the leg at Mumbai’s CST station and later identified the sole surviving Pakistani terrorist, Muhammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, which led to his conviction and death sentence and brought justice to the victims of this horrific act of terror,” said Dr. V. Shankar, President of the Shanmukhananda Sabha.
One of the bullets from an AK-47 pierced Devika’s right leg. She was the youngest witness to give evidence in court, accompanied by her father. “After 20 hours of the incident, the bullet was removed. I spent one and a half months in J.J. Hospital and underwent six surgeries on my leg, resulting in me needing a walker for two and a half years,” Devika shared. Her father, Natwarlal Rotawan, and older brother, Jayesh Kumar Rotawan, were also witnesses to the attack. “I have continued to suffer from various issues for the last 17 years, and my education has been affected. However, I take pride in having done something for my country,” Devika added, expressing her need for a job for survival.
Now 26 years old, Devika stood in court as a child, looking the terrorist in the eye and telling the truth. “Her heroism at such a young age is not only worthy of emulation but also deserves recognition from civil society. Even though she had to fight for her right to a place to stay, she ultimately succeeded after going to court,” said Shankar.
Despite her struggles, Devika has spoken on some of the world’s most respected stages. In 2022, she addressed the United Nations Security Council’s anti-terrorism meeting at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, speaking to ministers and diplomats from 192 countries. She has received over 300 awards, each acknowledging the courage she displayed as India’s youngest witness to terrorism.
Devika’s dream of becoming a police officer was hindered when she could not complete her education, but she remains committed to public service. “I may not wear the uniform,” she says, “but I will still do my best for my nation,” concluded Devika.
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