CNN-IBN & RIL applaud 24 Real Heroes from across India

Media News

New Delhi, March 11, 2010

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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