Cricketer Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday pledged to bear the education expenses of five-year-old Zohra, who lost her father, ASI Abdul Rashid, in a militant attack in Kashmir's Anantnag district last month. In an emotional message, Gambhir said he would help the young child realise her dreams and support her education for life. "Zohra, I cant put you to sleep with a lullaby but I'll help you to wake up to live ur dreams," Gambhir tweeted.
"I Will support your education for lifetime #daughterofIndia," Gambhir added.
Rashid was killed on August 28 when militants fired at him at Mehandi Kadal in Anantnag district. Photographs of Zohra crying inconsolably over the coffin of her father went viral on social media.
"Zohra, plz (please) dont let those tears fall as I doubt even Mother Earth can take d (the) weight of ur (your) pain. Salutes to ur (your) martyred dad ASI, Abdul Rashid," Gambhir added.
This is not the first time when the Delhi cricketer has come out in support of the armed forces and their children.
Earlier in April, Gambhir pledged to bear the educational expenses of children of the 25 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who were killed in a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Sukma District.
In August, Gambhir started a community kitchen service in an attempt to feed the hungry and poor at free of cost. The initiative was launched through the Gautam Gambhir Foundation at New Delhi's West Patel Nagar area.
(With inputs from agencies)