Wah Milkha Singh Ji Wah – this is called true patriotism!

Almost 52 years back, Milkha Singh – The Flying Sikh, won a gold medal in 1958 Commonwealth games became a known face throughout the world of Athletics.

His life has had an inspiring influence on many and the latest in the list is Rang De Basanti filmmaker Rakesh Omprakash Mehra. Rakesh wants to make a film on Milkha’s life story and hold your breath, Milkha has give him the permission to do so for Re 1, yes you read it right Re 1.

Why did he turn down a huge sum and gave his life story for free? The legend is expecting the movie to inspire India’s youth and make them understand that nothing is impossible if you are determined and prepared to put in the hard work.

For those who don’t know here is the legend’s story – He was born in1935 in Lyallpur, now in Pakistan. In 1947, whenhe was just 12, he had to go through probably what one would call the toughest time – that of seeing his parents being killed during the partition. He managed to save himself and boarded to train to India. Overcoming all this and determined to do well, Milkha Singh won the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold in 1958.

It is great to see that even after so much of suffering; Milkha didn’teven take a single minute to refuse the money offered by Mehra. It is indeed a rarity when such legends are born and we should be proud of the fact that he is an Indian.

Let’s hope that his thought behind not taking money comes true and everyone understands the importance of hard work and determination. A salute to the legend Milkha Singh!