Jaipur: The serial bomb blasts on May 13, 2008, had left some 80 people dead in the city and injured hundreds more, shocking the nation in the first such terrorist attack in the capital.
Sixteen years after the traumatic incident, children and dependants of the victims have moved on in life, with assistance from state and related agencies.
In particular, the Rajasthan University (RU) initiative to offer free education to relatives of victims has had a big impact, with at least 39 students benefiting from it in 15 years. The scheme, which began in 2009, later added two more provisions such as giving outright admissions to kin, including for children of those who suffered major injuries in the blast.
Among the beneficiaries are two children of Satyanarayan Sharma, a flower seller who was killed in a blast at Choti Chaupar. His son Rahul Sharma, 14 years old at that time, was assisting his father when some 32 pellets pierced his body, confining him to bed for a year. As a result, he missed his Class X exams, while his elder sister, Priyanka, contemplated dropping out of Class XII to support the family.
RU scheme ended their worry for funds "We learnt about the scholarship scheme from a newspaper. The university offered my sister admission to the BA course at Maharani's College and provided hostel accommodation. She completed her both her graduation and master's in humanities and also received assistance from the university to find a job. She is now married and lives in Ajmer and supports her family," said Rahul.
The scholarship scheme was mooted by RU's public relations officer, Bhupendra Singh Shekhawat, who proposed it to the then vice-chancellor N K Jain who gave his nod. The initiative was the first-of-its-kind by any university.
Rahul resumed education three years later after undergoing multiple operations with help from the university. He completed his graduation under the scheme and is now working as a water purifier technician. i
Wth five pellets still lodged in his body, he continues to experience intense pain, especially during the winter.
Similarly, three children of Gopal Singh Shekhawat, a driver who lost his life at a blast in Hanuman Temple in Chandpole, have transformed their lives under the scheme.
While his daughter Bhanu Kanwar (25) has established her own business, sibling Sonu is pursuing a career in the medical field. Their brother, who hopes to have a career in law, is currently in his last year BA at one of the affiliate colleges of the university.
Kanwar credits the completion of her education along with that of her siblings to the scheme which put worries of finances to rest.
The two younger brothers of bicycle repairer, Iqbal Khan, the sole bread winner of his family who died on the spot at Hanuman Temple near Sanganeri Gate, also benefited from the scheme.
His brothers, Mosim and Shaizad Khan, were granted admission to Rajasthan College for undergraduate studies and later completed their LLB at the University Law College. Both are now practicing lawyers at the Rajasthan High Court.
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