Surreal! That is the word I would use to describe the day it all came together- Atharviites, Volunteers, Civilians, Celebrities, War Heroes, Living Legends… Patriots!
Each story was narrated by a celebrity and there were supporting visuals of the actual residences and neighbourhood of those legends which took the audience to those parts of India which were not explored by them till now. Videos that once captured the legends alive instantly connected the civilians to the martyred soldiers as for that brief couple of captured moments, they too were ordinary citizens, with a family, enjoying a daily routine or so. They also loved. They also lived. They performed a self-assumed duty NOT to any civilian or the government or anybody of influence but to their nation. The only thing that separates us from them is that our motives are small and theirs - HUGE.
In the initial stage of the event, the civilians were vying to take selfies with their favourite celebrities. By the time the first story was narrated, our definitions of celebrity and heroism had changed. Our priorities had taken a new meaning. We had heard about a living legend – CRPF Commandent Chetan Kumar Cheetah through our Hon. Executive President Mr. Sunil Rane. The moment his name was announced, without any cues or announcements the entire NSCI Dome at Worli was on its feet trying to get a glimpse of the man who cheated death for the sake of serving the nation. His nation! Awestruck! Inspired! With each story unfolding the gallantry lives in front of very eyes, I could not help but observed that the civilians were connecting to the armed forces including Police personnel in a very empathetic way. The information was collected by the Executive President and his arduous team first hand and narrated as it was. With absolutely no adulteration or added effects to the real stories of these Personnel, narrated in front of their very family members. For those few brief moments, we lived their lives and we died with them. This is a feat that no actor or filmmaker can ever achieve.
We all dream of being a Hero or atleast do a heroic act and let the world stand witness to it. We all desire to find a meaning for our living and be a part of something bigger than ourselves in wake perhaps to leave an impression of our existence. A few lucky ones get the opportunity though. Looking forward to meeting these extraordinary personalities and their families who are living the life we can only desire.
