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MUMBAI:
In a glittering ceremony attended by dignitaries from across the
country, IBN18 India’s leading No 1 News Network in partnership
with Reliance Industries Limited India’s largest private sector
enterprise honored 24 Real Heroes of India. Real Heroes is a movement
to acknowledge the unsung champions of the common man who strove
tirelessly to promote the welfare of others. These Real Heroes were
shortlisted by the editorial team of CNN-IBN, and they were spread
across six categories including, Women Welfare, Social Welfare,
Health and Disability, Youth, Education and Children & Sports.
The
ceremony was attended by luminaries including Mrs. Nita Ambani,
Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Sachin Tendulkar, Aamir Khan, Yash Chopra and
other eminent personalities applauded the heroes who through their
extraordinary work have made a difference. Each of the Real Heroes
was presented a trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh.
The
Real Heroes all represent an inspirational story of selfless service,
these range from a mechanic in Jharkhand who has set up an orphanage
with his own meagre resources to provide education, food and shelter
to children who were left orphans due to polygamy or alcoholism
to a person who has been fighting to preserve the environment over
the past three decades. From a hockey coach who is on a mission
to train players free of cost to an 80 year old gynecologist who
is fighting to rehabilitate mentally challenged women and provide
them vocational training so they can be financially independent,
and many more who have dared to stand up for the betterment of the
society were awarded as the Real Heroes.
Speaking
on the initiative, Nita Ambani, President, Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation
said, “I feel proud today - proud to be an Indian. I also feel
proud of ‘Indianness’ today. ‘Indianness’ that
puts compassion, kindness and empathy before everything else. We
salute the benevolence of these extraordinary people. They embody
the purity of the human spirit. They may not have received the spotlight
of publicity but their actions radiate the sunlight of generosity.
Each of these stories is a font of inspiration. My Real Heroes friends
you are our crusaders of hope. Thank you for this inspiration that
we will carry back with us.
Speaking
at the awards ceremony, Sachin Tendulkar said, “These Real
Heroes are not ordinary people, but extraordinary and selfless!
We look at what we have not got but then they haven’t got anything
but courage to find the solutions and go through the obstacles.
They have no expectations but to see smiles on other’s faces.
They have seen tough times and this makes them stronger and stronger.
We should follow their footsteps and derive inspiration from them.
I bow to these Real Heroes.”
Addressing
the assembly at the awards function, Aamir Khan said, “Each
time I am here I get inspired when I see the Real Heroes and listen
to their works. When we use our strengths and abilities for ourselves
that’s normal, but when we use it to help others that is commendable
and that’s when you become a Real Hero and it’s amazing
to see that. What inspires me really is that we all are busy and
so caught up in our own lives but here are people who have dedicated
their lives to helping others.”
Rajdeep
Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN18 Network added, “Each one of
these real heroes has performed extraordinary deeds to promote the
welfare of their fellow citizens and society as a whole. Their path
wasn’t easy and they have battled tremendous odds ranging from
personal tragedy to social opposition and financial constraints.
Yet the flame to make a positive impact has continued to burn bright
and they have truly been the instruments of change. I would like
to thank all our distinguished guests for their presence here in
support of the Real Heroes of our nation”.
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