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 and is now retired. How he overcomes his adversary after that attack. How he becomes 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 do 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 the 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 the 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 shortcomings 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.”

Below is the link for the book-