Jyoti Singh Pandey’s grieving father Badri called for the 23-year-old’s life to be commemorated in a positive way after she became known simply as India’s Daughter
The grieving father of murdered gang-rape victim Jyoti Singh Pandey wants a hospital built in her name as a lasting memorial.
Badri Singh Pandey, 53, spoke out after finally deciding to reveal his tragic daughter’s identity – to give strength to other victims.
He called for the 23-year-old’s life to be commemorated in a positive way after she became known simply as India’s Daughter following her murderous sex ordeal on a public bus .
Speaking at his ancestral village Billia in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Badri said: “Our village doesn’t have any health facilities. It has no amenities, not even consistent electricity.
“My daughter wanted to be a doctor and help people so the best thing would be to construct a hospital in her name. I would be very proud of that.”
Badri admitted yesterday that he has found it difficult to remember any memories of Jyoti since her death. All he can focus on is his last moments with her – just minutes before she suffered a massive heart attack.
He said: “That conversation will remain etched on my heart for life.” But the distraught dad realises he must carry on for the sake of his daughter’s treasured memory. He added: “She was a brave girl and if we stopped living she would be very disappointed with us. Once we get through these first few weeks we’ll be more determined to carry on living for her.
“I will fulfill her dreams and make sure my sons get a good education and stand on their own two feet and do well. They have to fulfill her dreams now.”
Badri’s wife Asha, 46, was still too upset to talk yesterday.
Court hearings are due to continue today at the district court in the Saket area of India’s capital New Delhi.
DNA tests have linked five men and a 17-year-old with the alleged rape and murder.
The teenager will be tried separately as a juvenile.
Badri said that at first he wanted to see the men accused of killing his daughter face to face.
But he has changed his mind and will now only go to court to watch the case if he is forced to.
He said: “I don’t want to see them and I don’t want to be there. I’ll only go if I have to and I’m called by the police.”
He had no regrets about moving to Delhi and will move back eventually.
He explained: “I will never hate the place because my daughter loved it. She loved everything about the city, its people, food and culture.
“Delhi was the place that changed my life, gave me hope for a better future. Bad incidents can happen anywhere and anytime. It is just that it happened to us in Delhi.”
Badri’s decision to identify his daughter – exclusively revealed in the Sunday Peopleyesterday – was welcomed around the world.
Millions took to social networking sites such as Twitter to express their respect for Jyoti – and said they were glad they could finally give India’s Daughter a name.
Many acknowledged how fitting it was that she was called Jyoti, which means “light”.
Her brother Gaurav, 20, said: “I used to think I was a strong person but I’ve cried so many times since her death. I can’t think ahead right now. She was my best friend. Whenever I had a problem I would talk to her. We shared a special bond.”
Gaurav added that he wanted all six alleged attackers to face the death sentence – including the juvenile.
He said: “I think he deserves to face the ultimate punishment too. He is close to 18 years old and anyone above 14 has common sense and knows the difference between right and wrong.”