26/11: A Forgotten Soldier
Written By:
Marcos Parveen Kumar Teotia,
Shaurya
Chakra, (Rtd.)
A Day Where it all Begins?
It was a privilege to read about the story of a
soldier whose one line had been carved in my heart since 2008. This book is
penned by the very soldier who had said those lines. He is awarded as Shaurya
Chakra is now retired. How he overcomes his adversary after that attack. How he
become the IRONMAN. A story of a soldier who had the zeal to overcome every
obstacle that he came across.
Tale of a Forgotten Warrior
It’s a true story of a man who hails from Bhatona
Village, Buland Shahar Distt. In Western Uttar Pradesh. He was inspired to
serve in forces since his childhood as it is a custom to join forces or police
in his town. His brother becomes his motivation to become a soldier despite
being rejected due to his short height. He made his path and joined the navy to
serve his nation.
He joined Indian Navy on 31 July 2002. Later, when he
got aware of Marcos in the Navy. He got motivated in joining the team Marcos
and completed his course in January 2006. After two years of being with Marcos,
he faced his destiny where he changed his course of life as well.
On 26 November 2008, when Mumbai got under attack by
terrorists who entered from the sea route. He and his team were the first ones
to come to Taj Hotel for a rescue operation. Despite inadequate weapons, they
went for operation and succeeded in saving the civilian.
He would have been dead due to the negligence of
printing the wrong blood group but destiny had decided something else for him.
He survived with his will, strength, and his attitude to fight the adversary.
He had saved 150 lives including the life of the Managing Director of Taj
Group.
He was awarded Shaurya Chakra for his bravery. It is
said that everything comes with its price. The one who wants to be on the field
was deemed unfit for it. But this doesn’t stop him from moving in his life and
bringing laurel to our country again. There was a time when he was treated
brutally by an organization to whom he had brought pride.
It arises the question, what you do to overcome it?
When the doctor declared him unfit and told him to lose weight. He started his
journey by becoming fit in the eyes of the same doctor. He got inspired and
participated in the marathon.
He participated in the marathon organized at Leh and
ran with a national flag which brought new opportunities to him. He later
participated in the IRONMAN Triathlon. He participated in it, faced his
struggle, and earned the title IRONMAN. He is a man who is the epitome of
inspiration who has defied his medical condition and made impossible things
possible.
What was added to your Vocabulary?
1.
Inundated- to give or send somebody so many things that he/she
can not deal with them all.
2.
Secessionist- A person who favors formal withdrawal from membership
of a federation or body especially or political state.
3.
Ensconced- establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe
place.
4.
Staccato- short duration of the burst.
5.
Tinnitus- perception of noise.
6.
Goriest- full of violence and blood.
7.
Ostensibly- as appear or is stated to be true, though not
necessarily so, apparently.
8.
Caliphate- the rule or reign of a caliph or chief Muslim ruler.
9.
Flummoxed- Bewildered or perplexed.
10.
Revelatory- Revealing something hitherto unknown.
What I liked and learned
I don’t know about his struggle which he had faced.
This book has given a new dimension to the organization where it represents
that no organization is perfect. You will find certain negative elements
everywhere. But what I learn from his journey was their dedication he had, his
courage, strength, strong will, and patience to bear the weight of struggle his
life has given since the start.
He showed despite being having shortcoming if you have
a will and dedication you could overcome any hurdle. His story had told the
reality of the previous government and its negligence. How they have neglected
their duty toward the people who serve us and our nation.
What made me curious or made me retrospect was the
attitude of the doctor why did he say those lines despite knowing his condition.
Whether he said it to motivate him or it was to make him feel low. I don’t know
what is right or wrong. But I do know that if the doctor hadn’t pushed him. We
wouldn’t have known his story. I would recommend this book to be read by
everyone to get inspired and find the actual meaning of the lines-
“Yeh Mat Kaho Khuda Se Merin Mushkilein Badi Hai…...
Yeh Kaho Mushkilon Se Mera Khuda Bada Hai…...”
His lines are engraved in my heart-
“I will lead you to the safety. Just show me the way.
Bullet will pass me first before it could reach you.”
