2 weeks Ago
Pune: With blood stains still visible on her clothes, 26-year-old HR professional Asawari performed her father Santosh Jagdale 's last rites on Thursday in a display of remarkable strength amid immense grief, following his death in the Tuesday's Pahalgam terror attack . "We were clicking pictures at Mini Switzerland (Baisaran) when we heard gunshots, followed by screams. We immediately hid behind tents with our family friends, the Gunbotes (Kaustubh Gunbote also died in the attack).
Then, I saw my father and uncle being shot. Right in front of my eyes," recalled Asawari. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Despite the unimaginable tragedy, she she stood firm behind her shattered family, consoling her mother, managing formalities and coordinating with authorities in Maharashtra.
"It's difficult to believe I cremated my father. I'm only 26, but I had to be strong for my mother and the family. I can't break down," she said.
Asawari's composure has drawn widespread admiration. "Those who did this (terrorists) are not human, they are monsters. No one deserves to die like that.
We want justice," she said, adding, "It took us over 24 hours to bring him home. I'll never forget the kindness of strangers." "I'll carry this pain forever, but I'll also carry my father's strength," Asawari added.
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