The two news which have been featured in many of the print and visual media in the recent past have been the fight for survival by the Pakistani girl, Malala Yousufzai, after she had been shot by the Taliban for showing a determination to stand for her convictions; and the other is that of Ashok Khemka who has been unfortunately shunted from one posting to the other for doing what is his duty; being sincere to his job.
Both of them had the courage to stand for what they believed in, how many of us can say that for us. The attitude that we as a Nation have developed is that of 'chalta hai' (it's okay) as is seen and heard in a popular ad on the TV.
From being a Nation who stood against the might of the British Empire (even if it was a delayed attempt) we have become a Nation of people who are ready to kowtow to any and everyone. Is it because of the long years our country had spent in servitude that we are unable to develop a backbone - a spine which can allow us to stand up for our rights; to demand with authority what rightfully belongs to us.
The attitude of 'chalta hai' has infected all parts of our society and life, from paying for a ticket in black to watch a movie, jumping a line to pay a bill, jumping traffic lights putting not self but other lives at risk, throwing garbage out of the car while on a highway.. all falls in the category of 'chalta hai' , and the person who tries to follow the norms is seen as a person from another planet... the poor soul has to bear many a brunt of jokes, be ready to be subjected to ridicule.
Few of the courageous souls are able to stay on the chosen path while may waver and fall by the side, joining the milling crowd of humanity to become one of the chorus singers of 'chalta hai'
What is it that separates the heroes from the crowd? Is it something which is inherited or is it due to the courage and conviction which is developed?
If it was all in the genes, then would it not be possible for all the members of a family to be heroes, but how many of us have seen anything like that. It requires grit to give up the luxury of being able to satisfy the need of belonging that gnaws at the innards of a human. Often, the circumstances make heroes of people who are normal by forcing them to make a choice. The choice made determines the Hero.
In the case of Malala Yousufzai and Ashok Khemka it was the circumstances that made them Heroes, a source of inspiration for the rest of the mere mortals. The circumstances presented them with choices where they could have either given in or could have stood up and fight back. They chose the later, creating history along the way.
It is imperative that the spirit that both of them have shown is appreciated and is not forgotten once the headlines decide to move on to a new Hero.
Both of them had the courage to stand for what they believed in, how many of us can say that for us. The attitude that we as a Nation have developed is that of 'chalta hai' (it's okay) as is seen and heard in a popular ad on the TV.
From being a Nation who stood against the might of the British Empire (even if it was a delayed attempt) we have become a Nation of people who are ready to kowtow to any and everyone. Is it because of the long years our country had spent in servitude that we are unable to develop a backbone - a spine which can allow us to stand up for our rights; to demand with authority what rightfully belongs to us.
The attitude of 'chalta hai' has infected all parts of our society and life, from paying for a ticket in black to watch a movie, jumping a line to pay a bill, jumping traffic lights putting not self but other lives at risk, throwing garbage out of the car while on a highway.. all falls in the category of 'chalta hai' , and the person who tries to follow the norms is seen as a person from another planet... the poor soul has to bear many a brunt of jokes, be ready to be subjected to ridicule.
Few of the courageous souls are able to stay on the chosen path while may waver and fall by the side, joining the milling crowd of humanity to become one of the chorus singers of 'chalta hai'
What is it that separates the heroes from the crowd? Is it something which is inherited or is it due to the courage and conviction which is developed?
If it was all in the genes, then would it not be possible for all the members of a family to be heroes, but how many of us have seen anything like that. It requires grit to give up the luxury of being able to satisfy the need of belonging that gnaws at the innards of a human. Often, the circumstances make heroes of people who are normal by forcing them to make a choice. The choice made determines the Hero.
In the case of Malala Yousufzai and Ashok Khemka it was the circumstances that made them Heroes, a source of inspiration for the rest of the mere mortals. The circumstances presented them with choices where they could have either given in or could have stood up and fight back. They chose the later, creating history along the way.
It is imperative that the spirit that both of them have shown is appreciated and is not forgotten once the headlines decide to move on to a new Hero.
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