R.I.P. HEROES | 3 years after 26/11 | We're living to fulfil Sandu's wishes: Parents | Special prayers at Taj today

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore:  “Every second of my life, I remember him. He is there with us always. He was very particular that I dress well. He too presented himself in grace. He observed the way I dressed and insisted how I should. He gave me directions what saree I must wear. What colour. He had a say in the size and colour of my bindi. He loved me so much. And, like a small child he always followed me whenever he was at home,” late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's mother Dhanalakshmi spoke in a voice etched in emotion.
Speaking to Express on the eve of the 3rd anniversary of 26/11, Dhanalakshmi said that she is fulfilling all that 'Sandu Mon' (Sandeep is fondly called at home) wanted. “He has probably left us with a mission to help others. He was a very helpful soul and now he has given me the task of helping others. I am happy that every day I am living for him,” she said.
Sandeep's father K. Unnikrishnan have emerged more stronger over the years since he lost his son, but he says his job is far from over. “I am not a man in a hurry. I take time for everything in life,” he said, amidst preparing to head to Mumbai. “We have a special prayer meeting at the Taj on November 26. It's going to be a special gathering, including a candle-light prayer. We will stay at Taj on November 27 and 28 and will not come out. I wan't to be with Sandeep... I know the place he was killed...First floor of Taj,” Unnikrishnan said.
In Bangalore, the Rotaract Club and Rotary Club of Yelahanka is organising a condolence march to remember the martyrs of 26/11. “We are touched by the love of people. In the last three years we have traveled extensively, meeting thousands of people. We have only one mission in life. To help the needy and I have many options with me. I don't want anyone erecting Sandeep's statue in his memory. It will gather dust out in the Sun. The best way to remember Sandeep is to help others,” said Unnikrishnan.
Among the many who were saved from the terrorists' onslaught at Taj, one family have become very close to Sandeep's parents. “We will be meeting them and they don't want any publicity. They are grateful to our son,” says Unnikrishnan.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)