Shekar Naik’s inspiring and incredible journey from darkness to
light was covered in the 4th episode of HRX Heroes with HrithikRoshan.
Let me start Shekar’s story with a disclaimer that from this
episode onwards, I am not going to review this show, but my effort would be to
share the story. There won’t be any rating for further episodes at the end of the
write-ups. I was feeling very uncomfortable rating the episodes and I also felt
how I can review such shows where heroes of life are themselves presenting
their stories. No review or no rating would be sufficient to express that how
much the heroes suffered in their lives and then rose against all odds to be
super-achievers. And I am sure Discovery Channel would appreciate my stand. So,
here goes the story of Shekar Naik.
Hrithik conveys so beautifully that people want to know the
formula for success, there is only one, which is hard work. Shekar
represents this statement. He had no support system, had darkness all around,
and what he has achieved today is due to his hard work.
Shekar was born in a poor family in Shimoga, Karnataka. Shekar
was blind from his birth onwards. Rather he belonged to a family where his
mother Suniana, and many of his cousins were blind. It was some genetic
problem. Shekar did not know that there is any world different than his world
of darkness. He could never form any picture of the external world. His mother
always used to inspire him through her words.
He was almost 8, when he fell into Tungabadhra river, and was
taken to the hospital in Bangalore. The doctor said that his retina was fine and
there was hope that operation could give him partial vision.
In Shekhar’s words, that was one of the best moments of his life,
when he opened his eyes after operation to find his mother standing in front of
him. Initially he could not recognize his mother. Shekar got his partial vision
back.
He did not even get the time to enjoy this bliss that within
three months, he lost his father, who was having cancer. The only earning
member of the family was no more. The world became more dark for Shekar and his
mother. It was difficult for them to survive. They had to fight hunger.
And that is when Shekar’s mother Suniana decided to admit him in
Karnatala Blind School. The idea behind his admission was that atleast Shekar
should get his food and survive. Ill-fate continued, Shekar lost his mother
too.
Shekar was at the lowest point of his life. When you have
nothing to lose, you have everything to gain. That is the stage Shekar was
in.
The best dreams happen when you are awake. Shekar also got a goal. While in school, he explored cricket.
He started taking coaching in school with the help of his PT teacher Mr. Suresh.
He was selected in school team, later state team and then national team. His
belief was strengthened that he would be able to fulfill his as well as his mother’s
dream that he should be doing something in life.
After graduation, he continued with his passion of playing
cricket. To survive, he also used to do all kinds of jobs viz. housekeeping, washing
utensils, gardening etc. He worked hard for more than 8 years.
He played lot of matches, and the match against Pakistan is very
special for him, he scored 198 runs, his highest international score.
In 2010, he was chosen as the captain of Indian Blind Cricket
Team and fetched India two World Cups.
His dream is to coach many aspiring blind cricketers and let
them fulfill their dreams.
Hrithik conveys Shekar’s story beautifully: “It is not the
will to win that matters, it is the will to prepare to win that matters”.
Cast: Krishna Mishra (Shekar
Naik), Vijay Saini (Shekar’s father), Chandrakala Satam (Shekar’s mother),
Rahil (Young Shekar – 8 years), Yash Chavan (Young Shekar – 18 years), Rajesh
Kumar (Neighbour), Saurabh Sharma (Doctor), Sangeeta Srivastava (Masi), Ranjeet
Kumar (PT Teacher Suresh Sir)
It is great to see the actors depict the story. Whether it was Rahil
(Young Shekar – 8 years), Yash Chavan (Young Shekar – 18 years), or Krishna
Mishra (Shekar Naik), all could add lot of value through their acting. Rather,
the cast absolutely fit the requirements.
What to say about Hrithik, the host of the show. He does add his
words of wisdom and makes us think that if the heroes can, we can too…
Shekar Naik stood undeterred by the vagaries of life. Instead,
he chose to live a life, which is a real inspiration and motivation to many.
Rather than cribbing about what he doesn’t have, lamenting over his pain, he
chose to grow beyond his struggles to fight and emerge victorious. Captain of
Indian Blind Cricket Team since 2010. Indeed an incredible journey from
darkness to light. Please join with me to salute this HRX Hero: Shekar Naik.
Watch the repeat telecast of this episode on Shekar Naik on 15th
November, 2015 at Discovery Channel, 8PM.
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