Seven-Year old Zohra, daughter of police officer ASI Abdul Rashid who was shot dead by militants in an attack on police party in Anantnag, crying while watching wreath laying ceremony, in Srinagar on Monday. PTI Photo
While thanking cricketer Gautam Gambhir for his generous gesture, the grief-stricken Kashmiri girl Zohra, whose policeman father was killed by militants last week, Tuesday said she wants to become a doctor to fulfil the dream of his slain father.
Gambhir announced that he will support the lifetime education of eight-year-old Zohra, whose photographs while sobbing at her father's funeral broke hearts all over the country. "I and my family are thankful to Gautam sir for his gesture. I want to become a doctor and fulfil the dream of my papa," she told reporters.
Zohra's mother Naseema said the cricketer's support has given her hope of better life for her family after the death of her husband. "In today's world where nobody is concerned about the miseries of others, his (Gambhir's) announcement has elated us. At least there is someone, who is concerned about our miseries. If people will come forward like this and help my family, it will ease my burden," she said.
Earlier, the cricketer, in a series of tweets, paid his respects to the slain policeman and said: "Zohra, please don't let those tears fall as I doubt even Mother Earth can take the weight of your pain. Salutes to your martyred dad ASI, Abdul Rashid."
"Zohra, I can't put u 2 sleep wid a lullaby but I'll help u 2 wake up 2 live ur dreams. Will support your education for lifetime #daughterofIndia (sic)," he tweeted.
Zohra, the daughter of police officer Abdul Rasheed who was martyred in an attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag has thanked cricketer Gautam Gambhir for his generous gesture. Gambhir has said that he will support the lifetime education of Zohra.
The Jammu and Kashmir police also thanked Gambhir for his noble gesture. The state police chief Shesh Pal Vaid said that such support will go a long way in boosting the morale of security forces.
"@JmuKmrPolice invites all celebrities & public figures to come visit the state of J&K and encourage the men and officers of J&K Police," Vaid tweeted.