Dream comes true after 10 years
26 December 2008, a month to our Republic Day number 60th. Rajpath was on its way of make over. Work was in progress for most prestigious “RD Parade” (Republic Day Parade).
Over the years, right from childhood, i have seen people from forces, personnel etc. marching on this road, with a great pride and honor. Its a mark of respect to nation, and individuals on dice.
Almost 10 years back, while under going training i was being asked to “Fall Out” and go and join separate division. A group of individual who were to be observed and trained. These cadets were to represent our training institute (para-military category) at “RD parade”.
With news coming to us, entire pack was happy. We were rehearsing 12 hours a week. We had already made our rhythm of march as heart beat. It was as if, we missed a step in a march we missed our heart beat. Each one was confident to make it. We had done a similar exercise before in honor of then Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat. Hence our confidence was high. Each one had a dream to kiss that road, that has seen so many march.
But dreams are dreams. One Sunday all confident guys were made to “Fall Out”. We were happy and thought we made it. That joy short lived on our faces. We were given a letter to be signed by parents and our respective school authorities/registrar. The letter said “NOC” (No Objection Certificate). When showed to parents, i realized, i was having a trouble in my hand in form of declaration. NOC was meant to have a declaration that there was no impact on my schooling and personal activities by a week long trip to “Rajdhani” (Delhi- capital) on account of “RD parade”.
It meant trouble to parents, they were happy with opportunity i had got. But they also wanted me to concentrate on ”SSC” (Matriculation that year itself). Unfortunately, the schedule of “RD” was overlapping my preliminary examination for “SSC”. Parents said, “We let go if school approve to postpone your papers, or at least re-conduct it for you”. And that sentence meant clear “NO”. I had being skipping my classes to be a part of training group 40 miles away. I knew i was running short on attendance (75%). School response was 2 lettered “No”. And i saw my dreams of making it happen shattered.
I really wanted to be part of it. Unfortunately, there were so many like in same pack. Some did overcome opportunity, with help of parents, and taking a year drop at school. Making my parents to take that decision was foolish thing to do. Eventually I was forced to retire from the training.
From that day, till today. I do keep remembering, how dangerous can be dreaming, when you don’t have situation in your hand. And you are not the decision maker.
Opportunity knocks, and you should grab it. It took exactly 10 years, a bit more. I was in Delhi, as a part of my tour to Northern India. With a first step on New Delhi station, recollected by dream. After checking in hotel, getting fresh, lunch and then i was already walking in direction of Rajpath.
After having fantastic ride of Delhi Metro, I was at central secretariat station. After coming out of station, I had Vijay Chowk on right and India Gate on my left, and me on Rajpath. It was foggy even in evening. India Gate was more than a mile walk. I walked the distance (Marched with heart beat) twice.
Saluted war soldiers of war!
Kissed Rajpath! and was on my way back to hotel.
Eyes were filled with spark of achievement, fulfillment.
I got my first dream fulfilled!
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