Holding on to hope

The home of Ganesh Sakhre at Baiganwadi, Govandi didn’t see the gudi heralding the Maharashtrian New Year this time. Ganesh and his family are yet to recover from the loss of his father Sitaram Sakhre in the terrorist attacks at CST in November.

The pain remains as they have fresh memories of seeing the head of the family being killed in front of their eyes. “The terrorist who did this to us is still alive. He also should be shot dead they way he shot our father,” says 19-year-old Ganesh.

They have been following the reports of the questioning of the lone terrorist who survived, Ajmal Kasab.
“We were among the first targets of the firing,” says Sitaram’s widow Gangu adding, “None of us can forget that day.” Thirteen members of their family were at the station waiting to take a train to their village when it happened. Gangu questions, “When will the investigations on the attacks reach a logical end?”

On young Ganesh’s shoulders rest the hopes of his mother and younger brother Somnath who is a slow learner. Somnath studies at a normal school in class six.However, Gudi Padva did bring in some good news. Ganesh who was in class 11 when the incident had occurred had to give up his studies.

He was earlier not keen on continuing his studies but has now made the decision to complete his graduation and has applied to appear for the HSC exams in the arts stream next year.

He realised that as he has three days off in a week, he has enough time for studies. He is also very happily settled in the job that was offered to him in the railways as a diesel locomotive mechanic in the green environs of Neral. The wound from the bullet that grazed past his arm has healed but the mental wounds will take some time.

There is also some respite for the family as Ganesh’s married sister Surwanta with her husband and 3-year-old child, who were also witnesses to the attacks, have come to stay with them from Navi Mumbai.

Apart from the compensation from the government and railway, this family did not take much financial help from NGOs and others as they did not have any immediate needs.

However, their small well-kept home that has a photograph of Sitaram taking pride of place near the TV set is still receiving media attention with even an international media company visiting for a documentary.

Ganesh who is a black-belt in Karate besides a bagful of medals and awards for the sport also has a dream. “I am very keen on pursuing Karate as I am very good at it. However, I don’t get time now as I am busy with work and studies,” he says.

This was also his fathers dream as his mother Gangu reveals, “His father was also keen on him pursuing Karate. Despite the steep fees, he would not hesitate to send him for classes.” We hope Ganesh and all others whose lives came crashing down that fateful day may be able to get back on their feet and reach for their dreams again.

The terrorist who did this to us is still alive. He also should be shot dead they way he shot our father
Ganesh Sakhre,son of 26/11 CST attack victim