Inspiration.It is something that touches you when you meet enthusiastic positive people, watch a soulful movie, read a well written book, observe champions in action, and so on. There can be so many varied ways and individuals that can inspire us to work hard, to excel at our work, to fulfill our dreams, to follow our heart no matter what. One such shining example is of Milkha Singh.
From his humble modest beginnings to his life as an illustrious athlete, Milkha Singh’s story
has been a compelling one. While his performances have bought accolades for Indian sports, his life as a whole has inspired millions to pursue their dreams
Indian Athlete Milkha Singh
Born on 20 November 1929, Milkha Singh lived
in a relatively loving environment in the initial days of his childhood. However
the tides turned when the Indo-Pak separation destroyed
the lives of those living on the line of separation. The death of his parents
in the ensuing massacre gave a rocky start to 12 year old Milkha’s life. An
escape to the independent India on a train and starting a life
in a relief camp made him tough. Having no one left to be dependent on, his
survival skills kicked in and that made Milkha a strong young man with some
incredible dreams and energy to bring those dreams to fruition.
Milkha Singh gained
admission in the Indian military on the third trial in 1951 with
the help of his brother. It was in the army that
his potential for running and participating in competitive games as an athlete was
recognized. In the 1956 Olympics, he participated for the first time in an international sprinting
competition only to suffer a crushing defeat on the international circuit. The
failure brought in light his need for better training and thus he took a sabbatical
for almost a year to undergo rigorous training.
The fact that he never quit was the major factor in his
success. In 1958 he made a comeback on the track
when he got a chance to play for India at National games held at Cuttack.
The tremendous training and discipline paid off and he
went on to win a gold medal in the 400 meter run. The win was one
of the defining moments of his life and also a golden moment in the history of
Indian sports.
Milkha Singh has broken various
records at international level. In the 1960 race Milkha Singh received the
title “Flying Sikh” for his exemplary performance.
The title was bestowed upon him by Pakistani president Ayub Khan for it
is said that this great athlete appeared to be flying on the track.
Children running at MUSTRun in 2013
He has broken various
records in the 200 meter and
400 meter races and has received honors like Arjuna
award & Padmashri award which are considered one of the highest civilian honors by Government of India.Milkha Singh is highly disciplined when it comes to running. He is
81 and even now Milkha Singh’s voice is strong, still carries that firm conviction. He still remains a source of inspiration to many children and young adults who want to pursue athletics.
CACR also encourages school children to pursue their passion of running and to give an opportunity to school children from public schools to display their talent. CACR is participating in MUSTRun Marathon where more than 500 students from municipal (inner city public) schools will be running on a track 2km long.
CACR is glad to be a part of such events that encourage children from the less privileged sections of society. So if you are in Mumbai on December 14th this year do join us to promote and motivate these young budding athletes
--by Hitesh, a volunteer with Citizens Association for Child Rights a non profit education startup working to improve quality of health and education in municipal(inner city) schools of Mumbai
From his humble modest beginnings to his life as an illustrious athlete, Milkha Singh’s story has been a compelling one. While his performances have bought accolades for Indian sports, his life as a whole has inspired millions to pursue their dreams
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| Indian Athlete Milkha Singh |
Born on 20 November 1929, Milkha Singh lived in a relatively loving environment in the initial days of his childhood. However the tides turned when the Indo-Pak separation destroyed the lives of those living on the line of separation. The death of his parents in the ensuing massacre gave a rocky start to 12 year old Milkha’s life. An escape to the independent India on a train and starting a life in a relief camp made him tough. Having no one left to be dependent on, his survival skills kicked in and that made Milkha a strong young man with some incredible dreams and energy to bring those dreams to fruition.
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| Children running at MUSTRun in 2013 |
CACR also encourages school children to pursue their passion of running and to give an opportunity to school children from public schools to display their talent. CACR is participating in MUSTRun Marathon where more than 500 students from municipal (inner city public) schools will be running on a track 2km long. 
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