He asked us to do well in studies': Daughters of martyred soldier appear in exam

Gaya: Displaying rare grit and composure, three daughters of martyred soldier S K Vidyarthi took their school examinations to keep commitment they had made to their father that they would do good in studies.

Attired in uniform, the three daughters - Aarti, a student of Class 8, Anshu, of standard 6th and Anshika, a standard 2 student appeared in school examination of DAV Public School, Rotary campus medical unit, Gaya.

"The three girls took exam even while tears kept rolling down from their eyes over loss of their father at Uri in Kashmir on Sunday. It was really a touching moment for all of us," school Principal A K Jana said.

Later, Aarti told reporters that she had last meeting with her father in August when he came home. "He had asked me about my studies and inspired me to do good in studies. I will fulfil his dreams," she said. Her sisters echoed the same sentiment.

Jana said the entire school was with the grieving family and other soldiers who laid down their lives.

A condolence meeting was organised in the school today during which rich tributes were paid to sepoy Vidyarthi and the determination of the three daughters was praised.

Director of DAV of Gaya zone U S Prasad to whom the school Principal spoke on the three girls, said that DAV society would extend assistance to the girls for their studies. "Only today a parent approached me saying he wishes to bear the school expenses of the three girls," he said. S K Vidyarthi of Bihar Regiment hailed from Buknari village of Gaya district and is survived by wife, three daughters and a two-year-old son.