Handling success isnt everyones cup of tea

Yesterday gallantry awards were given to the soldiers who proved their mettle in combat the last year. In a colourful presentation ceremony 1 officer, 1 JCO and 2 soldiers stood commended with the Chief-of-Army-Staff commendation Card. One of the prestigious awards bestowed for courage and bravery in the face of adversity.
There was a well-deserved pride and aura around the winners for reasons well appreciated. And it was due. Getting where they did wasnt an cake walk and since we all knew that well, we were equally happy and were basking in their glory and fulfilment. But there was one person who was strikingly different from the rest 3. He stood there unaffected. Calm, composed, with no obvious exaltation on his face. It made me so amazed that I did not take my eyes out of him for a long time. He stood there smiling at everyone who came to wish him, saluting officers who commanded him, and just waiting there sa if he were standing on a normal roll-call.
Being their doctor, I wasnt really sure what got him this award, but all I knew was that it should have been something well worth mention because this award is something to die for. Literally too. On asking I found out that he had risked his life, twice, in an attempt to eliminate the terrorists. The vivid account my buddy gave me is too confidential to scribble here, but all I can say was that, he really deserved it. He WAS brave. And I also got to know that this was his fourth commendation card in a service spanning 09 yrs.
I couldnt be more surprised. How many of us can success as just a recognition of our hardwork, and move on striving for better glories, without making any pomp and show about it? I mean, doesnt success also deserve that kind of treatment? Oh come on, you have tasted it too, havent you? Have you even kept count of the many people whom you informed and shared your happiness with? No. Because, its a normal human machanism to exalt in ones own success. It like feeding ones own ego and adding oil into the I-am-a-power-to-reckon-with image, which we all silently keep within ourselves.
I talked to him at the end of the presentation, and asked him whats bothering him that doesnt make him as happy as the others and he said that he wasnt really sure if he deserved it more than the 5 others whose name was recommended for the same award and who were not lucky. He rose to a position well beyond all of us in just a dialougue and today I feel proud being associated with men like him in even the most minute way. Meeting him and seeng his mind, I am convinced again that there are people in this world to whom not only their happiness matters, but others too. People who wouldnt mind sacrifising their own gain for the smile on their peer's face. People who inspite of being honoured and kept above others, stood humbled by the place they were in. People who would define modesty in its most purest form.
It was a day to remember for me. To see the happiness and share the crowing moments with the winners, and more importantly, being blessed with an oppurtunity to learn from that person, who taught a lot in just a line. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.