Just one look at the photo above and you could pass it off as your brother, friend, classmate, the flirt, the son or any other individual, whom you met or connected with at some point of your life. Would you believe that this dude, Manu Akhouri is no more? Would you in your wildest dreams believe that he sacrificed his life to save a whole village in He made a choice to fly. Better still, to fly for his country. His passion for flying since childhood brought him face to face with a situation where he could choose to jump out of the 'flying coffin' and save his skin or maneuver it to a place where no lives would be lost. He made a choice of saving a village full of people and not many of us have even heard of him. Not even me.
A brother of mine is in the Indian Navy & from him I learnt about this braveheart. The more I found out, the more I bonded with this departed soul. I could see myself, my brother, my friend, all of us, in Manu. Like us, he chose to chase his passion. He chose to live his dream. Best part is that he made it, while he was still alive. It's very sad that now he will be missed & mourned by his family & close friends, while the rest of us lead our lives, entirely oblivious to the countless sacrifices made by thousands of jawans, brave soldiers who also had that option to be just another face in the crowd & die like one.
I write this post, deeply moved, by the sacrifices made by all the Manus who forego their own lives for the larger good of the country. As a writer & an aspiring filmmaker, I pledge to bring to light some of the stories (if not all) of those who are now no more, while they were ensuring our nation's security in adverse situations. Let these martyrs be remembered, let us show some respect, shed some tears, light some candles, pray for their souls' peace. Not just for Manu Akhouri, but for us all, as we are alive because of them.
Bro, Manu Akhouri, may your soul rest in peace. Amen.
Flt. Lt. Manu Akhouri achieved his moment of glory. But it is for us Indians now to recognize and understand what that final moment would've meant for him. If even one third of our people would pay heed, we shall have real issues to talk about, and to fight for, rather than fussing over daily soaps..
ReplyDeletePlease join hands in spreading the story of Manu Akhouri.
@ Magik: Thanks for giving this story a respectable space on your blog.
For Manu Akhouri
@Tanya: thank you for dropping by. am an aspiring film maker & am in the process of writing a script outline that pays tribute to martyrs like Manu Akhouri. Could you please drop me a line at magikworx@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi, sorry to have read your comment this late.. This is great that you are working to bring out such stories. if your project is still on, and you are interested in Manu Akhouri's life story, I would suggest learning it from his family. Shall send you details about them if you like. Thanks again..
ReplyDeletehi Magik... Praveen here. Close friend of Manu. can contact me at nfspram@gmail.com for any help required
ReplyDeleteHey Magik!
ReplyDeleteWonder how I missed reading this post of yours.. If and when you want to know anything about Manu, please free to reach me at Palakshekhawat@gmail.com.
Thank a lot for sparing some time to write about the most amazing soul ever..