The dawn of a hero

Move aside, Salman, Shahrukh and even Amitji! Who needs a celluloid hero with body doubles for stunts and make-up artistes for depicting bloodshed to impress the public? The real-life, inspirational hero has arrived! With poise and grace and absolute dare-devilry! And he is none other than…

Oops! Sorry, I got a bit carried away with my script-writing! Let me begin from the very beginning… This is actually the story of a very simple, uneducated middle-aged woman called Gowramma. She has limited means and toils as part-time maid to eke out a decent living. Whenever her routine permits, she watches the Kannada sitcoms along with the housewives for whom she works.

Very recently, post the Pulwama attacks, as I was continuously watching the news channels, she asked me innocently what was so interesting that almost everybody was watching news channels so keenly instead of our regular soaps. I felt it was my responsibility to educate her on the happenings in the country. As a citizen of India, it was only right that she be aware of the crisis we were experiencing when Wing-Commander Abhinandan was taken captive. I patiently narrated the entire turn of events as simply and as briefly as possible. She heard me out with full concentration, trying to grasp the correct and complete picture. I was amused when she even tried to learn how to pronounce his name correctly!

As we anxiously watched the news, Gowramma wondered why we were so apprehensive and worried. Once again I explained how a POW was at the mercy of his ruthless captors who would most certainly subject him to inhuman methods of pain and torture. He may not get water or food, not have access to basic toilet amenities, not be allowed to lie down or rest his weary body etc. And although he was going through this hell, he was a brave Indian soldier who would never give up the fight but stand firmly and courageously without surrendering to the enemy…

She now realised why the safe return of Wing commander Abhinandan to India was of such national importance. She rushed through her chores and came to sit with me as we waited together with bated breath for the good tidings which was played out by the media, with unprecedented delay and
uncertainty… until finally, our hero actually stepped onto Indian soil and into the waiting arms of his
fellowmen.

Dear Gowramma jumped and clapped with childlike joy and admiration and even I smiled through my own sense of relief, at her enthusiasm. But what followed next is what really took my breath away! Without batting an eyelid, she told me that her one- week old grandson’s naming ceremony was to be held soon and she would insist that he be named Abhinandan. She said she wanted him to become a true patriot, love his janmabhoomi, and maybe even join the Armed Forces just like the gallant fighter pilot. Now that’s true hero-worship for you. Friends, true patriotism thrives in your own backyard, not necessarily only at the Borders!