BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG- 25 LESSONS

I proudly dedicate this post to Milkha Singh and to the cast & crew of the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

This post is my compilation of the 25 Lessons that I Saw & I Learnt from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the 2013 Hindi Film. 

Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is based on an interpretation of the life of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete who was a world champion runner and an Olympian. The ‘Flying Sikh’ won with élan- 77 of the 80 races he ran! The film shows the Blood, Sweat, Tears that went into shaping the Champion and how the Legend earned his place under the sun. 

 

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag film has the following lessons for you and me-  

1-Be honest about your background, dare to show your true colours, be real like Coal

 “Koyla Kaala Hai, Chattano ne Paala Hai; Andar Kaala Baahar Kaala, Pur Sachcha Hai Saala” 

– Prasoon Joshi, Lyricist, Screenplay & Story-Writer of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Coal is Tough & Black- both inside & outside; but, it’s Real & Honest)

2-Just set goals by deciding what you want at that point of time & then run for the purpose!

Milkha Singh runs to attain different goals at different phases of his life. At first, young Milkha runs in the blazing sun on the hot sands from school just to reach home early. Then, he runs for his life, at the behest of his father, to escape from the horse-rider-attackers during India’s partition. He runs after he beats up his brother-in-law. He runs to dodge getting caught stealing coal from the train. He runs in the Army Cross Country Race as he wants the privilege of earning a mug full of Milk, 2 eggs & pardon from exercise! He runs for India's Blazer & for his self-respect. He runs for the Medals and for making India proud...

3-Success needs Inspiration, Support, And Expert Training & Guidance

Milkha Singh’s ladylove, Biro, inspires him to earn an honest living and ‘become somebody’ in his life. His sister, Isri Kaur, is always a pillar of strength for him; even sells her ear-rings to bail him out. His friend does not ‘disturb’ his training to inform Milkha about Biro’s wedding. Milkha Singh’s coaches, Gurudev Singh and Ranveer Singh play the part of the jewelers who recognize his worth & shape the gem!

4-Earn things for your need; don’t even try or eye other’s belongings with greed 

Milkha Singh falls in love at first sight with India’s Blazer. He understands that it exudes respect. However, just because he checks out the Champion, Sher Singh Rana’s Blazer, Milkha Singh is attacked, his clothes are ripped off and he is humiliated. His Coach/Guruji Gurudev Singh slaps him and tells him that he can’t get it “ainvaye”(just like that), he has to work hard and earn it!

5-Nothing is impossible to the mind that believes!

After the humiliation, when his Guruji challenges him if he can defeat the current champion, Milkha Singh expresses unflinching confidence & faith. His Guruji assures him that he can beat 100s of such champions!

6-Life is not a bed of roses, there are thorns & stones

In the first race for the Blazer, Milkha Singh loses as a stone on the track severely injures his bare feet. Yet, his effort & talent gets noticed by the Superiors and he is selected for the main race. His Guruji tells him that he has to train in such a way that no ‘Kankad-Patthar’ (stone) can harm him.

7-Learn to get used to and make friends with challenges with time

Milkha Singh is uncomfortable in his new pair of Sports Shoes. Milkha Singh wants to run barefoot rather than struggle with the Shoes! Coach Ranveer Singh says, “Aaj Jinse Lad Rahe Ho, Kal Wo Acche Dost Honge” (With what you are struggling today, they will be your good friends tomorrow). 

8-Real champion is the one who wins fair and square

Perhaps believing ‘All is fair in love and war’, the Indian record-holder and his gang attack Milkha Singh the night before the all-important race. However, undaunted by physical pain or Coach’s advice, Milkha Singh still runs, breaks the National record and proves who the real champion is!

9-Learn to let go and move on

On realizing that his ladylove was married, Milkha Singh’s dream of a future with her is shattered. Milkha Singh lets go off the pretty red Dupatta, the gift he had bought for Biro. Such a symbolic moment when ‘Hawa mein udta jaye, laal dupatta mulmul ka…’ Close the chapter and just keep running- “Bas Tu Bhaag Milkha”.

10-No one can harm the one whom God protects

Milkha Singh makes the observation “Jake Rakhe Saiyan Maar Sake Na Koyi” aboard his first flight as he is scared! But, this is true for his entire life. He is saved while almost his entire family is wiped out during Partition. He survives attacks from jealous contenders and also from his severe training.

11-No need to act smart to impress anyone. Be yourself- People will still fall in love with you & be your fan! 

Milkha Singh is his real simple and innocent self when he’s in Australia. He doesn’t even understand English answering “Milkha Singh” when asked if he’s “relaxing”! Still, his Australian Technical Coach’s grand-daughter, Stella takes an instant fancy to him.

12-Accept mistakes & learn from failures & defeats; Use them as strengths to succeed & win & attain great feats

Milkha Singh loses the qualifying race in 1956 Melbourne Olympics. He realizes that losing focus and spending time with Stella for personal pleasure didn’t help him to win the race.

13-Champions train when the world sleeps

One night, a Senior Officer spots Milkha Singh running with the purpose- practicing to get selected! When everyone in the aircraft, on way back home from Australia, is asleep, Milkha Singh wakes his Coach up to know what the World Record timing for 400 metres race is. 

14-Success is not easy- needs years of hard-work, focus, courage, grit, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice, passion, perspiration, dedication, determination…

Milkha Singh starts out by seriously working out and wringing his sweat into a Mug and soon graduates to doing the same using a Bucket! His Coach, Ranveer Singh says, a sportsperson needs ‘Jazbaat, Discipline, Tapasya’ (Passion, Discipline, Penance) He adopts extreme pressure with intense training everyday! Vomiting blood and collapsing in exhaustion don’t stop him from getting up & tirelessly running with a ‘tyre’ tied around his waist, skipping with weights attached to his legs, running over hills…

15-Success needs 100% Attention & Concentration & 0% Distraction & Temptation!

Milkha Singh does not reciprocate the feelings of Perizaad, a female National Swimming Champion. He frankly tells her what his aim is. 

16-Be Grateful, Humble & Grounded even after Success

Milkha Singh gifts his sister new gold ear-rings to express gratitude as she had sold her previous ones for him. After his wins, Milkha Singh touches the feet of his Coaches acknowledging their key roles in his life. Out of respect, he even makes his Coach Gurudev Singh wear his medal, showing that his Coach deserves it & is responsible for his win! 

17-India comes first. Learn to put our Country’s pride & honour above individual-interest

Milkha Singh is in a moral dilemma about visiting Pakistan for the Indo-Pak Peace Friendly Games. Pt.Jawaharlal Nehru’s explanation convinces him to gain strength to confront his past and lead the Indian Contingent.

18-Pride comes before a fall

This is a universal truth- border no bar! We find how both Indian (Sher Singh Rana) & Pakistan (Abdul Khaliq) champions lose to Milkha Singh! Sher Singh Rana is too proud of his India’s Blazer and tells Milkha Singh,“Humare jaise kuch Champions ko milta hai”(Some Champions like me get this.) Abdul Khaliq is cocksure about his win in the press-conference in Pakistan!

19-Records are meant to be broken

Milkha Singh is determined to better the World Record for 400 metres. He burns the Air-India Tissue-paper on which his coach has written “45.9” seconds. This is symbolic to break the mental-block that the figure might have. He achieves his target by clocking 45.8 seconds!

20-Success is the best revenge

In spite of his Guruji’s pleas, Milkha Singh does not even name or complain against the ‘Champion’ runner & his friends who harm him before the important selection-race. Rather, he turns up at the race to shock the same people & lower their face! Pakistan’s Coach and star-player, Abdul Khaliq try to hurtfully ignite Milkha’s past Pak-links and emotions. Milkha Singh does not say anything in retaliation! He just runs in races & lets his wins speak!  

21-Talent is honored everywhere, irrespective of Borders

An astounded Pakistan’s President, General Ayub Khan, proudly presents the title of ‘The Flying Sikh’ to Milkha Singh. He tells Milkha Singh, "You didn't run today, you flew." Good performance wins over hearts of all, on any side of the Border!

22-Don’t turn back. Run races focusing on the finish-line

During India’s Partition, when the killers on horseback attack them, Milkha Singh’s father says-‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and asks him not to turn back. Still, Milkha Singh turns to see the unfortunate slaughtering of his father. In the 1960 Rome Olympics, this turning back costs Milkha Singh & India an Olympic medal.

23-We can’t choose from where we originate from, but we can choose where we wish to head to

Milkha Singh’s story from modest origins in a tiny village, Gobindpura, is proof that with hope, confidence and effort, we can go a long way, stay ahead, attain international fame and live life fully!

24-Share lessons and experiences to inspire the world

Milkha Singh is a noble soul to have shared his true-life-story, knowing fully well that it may be scrutinized and criticized. However, it serves as a wealth of learning for all. If we learn from his experience and adopt “Hardwork, Willpower & Dedication”, we too can make our lives a success. Hats off to you, Milkha Singh!

25-“Lives of great men all remind us that we can make our lives sublime...And departing leave behind us footprints on the sands of time…”

Farhan Akhtar ably portrays the character of Milkha Singh by actually following Milkha Singh’s above principles! The film shows how an actor can so convincingly step into the shoes of a legend onscreen by literally ‘stretching’ himself and strenuously ‘working out’ for the role…2500 ab crunches a day to play Milkha! Small wonder, Milkha Singh complimented him, “Every nuance, every mannerism is right. You have become Milkha Singh!” Congratulations, Farhan Akhtar!

I am sharing what 'I Saw and I Learnt' at BlogAdda.com in association with DoRight.in.

LEARNING FOR LIFE

Ready To Learn Till I'm Alive!

I have learnt that we are forever Students as the Learnings continue for our entire Lifetime! Life is the greatest teacher as it ushers in many teachers with time. Teachers come in different forms, shapes and sizes! Our eyes need to recognize them and learn from their lessons. Anyone can be our teacher- even youngsters, inanimate objects and animals! It is always inspiring to learn from all- irrespective of age, class, social-strata, gender, race, religion, state, nationality…amazing People, Places & Situations! Rancho, Aamir Khan’s character in the Hindi film, 3 Idiots, acknowledges that there’s so much Gyaan being distributed everywhere; we need the interest to gather the same. From him, I also learnt- ‘Run after Excellence, not Success!’…and ‘All is Well!’ 

Good habits and learnings, like Charity, begin at home. My sister & I had just finished having food at a wedding celebration feast, when some of our relatives came near our table with their kids. My cousin’s husband showed his kids our plates and asked them to observe carefully. “I want you to emulate these two Mausis (Aunts)…See, how there’s not even a grain of rice left on their plates after they have eaten! We must not waste food”, he taught while his two kids & the other people present there nodded in unison & approval. Seeing their faces I could gauge that the little ones would sincerely try implementing the lesson from the very next meal onwards! I give the credit to my Papa, who always eats with relish and without a fuss, expressing gratitude for whatever is served to him & doesn’t waste even a morsel. From him I learnt- Actions speak louder than words. Also, I was amazed how he religiously set Maths Question-Papers for us every Sunday so that we learnt while we solved every kind of Question & understood the concepts. His funda- “Study for Knowledge, not for Marks”!

Satyameva Jayate, Honesty & Integrity, Discipline, Dedication, Hardwork, Punctuality, Kindness, Respect, Goodness…all these have always figured in our Parents’ conversations with us. My Papa always quotes Mr.Azim Premji, with whom he has had the good fortune of working at Wipro in Mumbai. My Parents have always shared inspiring stories of action-heroes and heroines- personalities from Real-life, History & Mythology. My Mom says, “There will always be situations when life presents us two roads- one easy, the other difficult. The easy road will be easy to take, but it will be wrong or unethical. However, the difficult road will be tough, but it will be the right path. May you always select the correct road.” I was surprised to find Raj, ShahRukh Khan’s character, mouthing the same dialogue in the Hindi film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge when the heroine’s mother asks him to run away with her daughter! As per my Parents, sincere efforts pay off & I can achieve anything that I set my heart and mind. I learnt they were right when I fulfilled my dream to win the Super Brain Super Personality Contest organized by Competition Success Review magazine. Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist reiterates this as- ‘the Universe conspires’.

My Papa is a strong believer & proponent of Dr. Kent’s ‘ANYWAY’ poem, a favorite of Mother Teresa. Both my Parents uphold the same motto- “Do good anyway”, “Be honest and Frank anyway”…Being truthful has its fair share of memories! On the last day of School, one of our strictest teachers had just asked a question that none dared to answer. “What change would you like to see in me?” Everyone knew what change we wanted in her, but no one had the courage to express. Just when I was thinking whether to share the same & how she’d react if I actually did, you won’t believe what happened! She actually invited me to do so- “Anita, You tell me!” I said, “Ma’am, we would like you to smile a lot more everyday!” The whole class cheered and we got to see Ma’am’s smile for the first time ever! I admired her candid query & her quest to better herself & also the immediate implementation of the suggestion! I don’t know what prompted Ma’am to pick only me out of the whole class…Had she discovered that my friends used to call me ‘Raja Harischandra’ & ‘Yudhisthir’ in School? Whatever it is, she had the ability to choose the right person! I reflect on this incident with great pride that my reputation has always reeked of honesty! People confide in me and everyone feels they can trust me with the right judgement and that they value my honest opinions. 

I was a kid when my Mom and I had gone to the market. After shopping, we were nearing our home when my Mom spotted that I was holding a bright pink rubber-band that had two red plastic cherries! On realizing that I had unknowingly indulged in shop-lifting, she explained it was stealing & how wrong it was on my part to take something without asking for her permission or paying the shopkeeper. We both actually walked all the way back to the shop that night just to return the stolen item. As I apologized and handed over the colourful rubber-band, this lesson spread its colours on my life. Today, Shopkeepers look at me disbelievingly when I return the extra amounts that they have mistakenly handed over to me! It has earned me everyone’s admiration, respect and trust. As per George MacDonald, "To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved." I don’t fish for compliments, yet have a great unenviable catch! I owe my Parents this…A BIG THANKYOU!

 

 My Parents have been great Parents and have earned accolades for their children’s behavior & achievements. However, I questioned my Parenting skills yesterday when my kid & I went to watch the Hindi movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB) in a posh mall’s Multiplex. When Milkha Singh earns his first International event Gold Medal, we hear our National Anthem’s tune as the background-music. It continues to play as the Flying Sikh earns a lot many medals. I stood up out of respect; I have learnt that it is an insult to our National Anthem if we remain seated while it plays. In that almost House-Full Movie-Hall, I was the only person who was standing for those few minutes. Seeing me, my kid did not stand up, rather she asked me to sit down. After the music stopped and I sat down, she enquired why I had stood up. My terse explanation- National Anthem! After the movie was over, I gave a longer explanation that we must stand up whenever it’s playing, no matter where we are, irrespective of our location or situation. I asked her, “But, why didn’t you stand up seeing me?” She said, “If I’d have stood up, it’d have inconvenienced the persons behind me as they couldn’t have seen the screen. That’s why I asked you to sit down as you were blocking their view! You only have taught me empathy and to keep others ‘views’ in mind and not to disturb others! Also, no one else was standing up!” I taught her to always keep in mind that our Country is most important- our feelings for India must be above individual(s). When the time comes or need arises, we must unflinchingly sacrifice even self or loved ones for the sake of our country as ‘Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargatapi Gareeyasi’ (Mother & Motherland are greater than even Heaven). 

After watching the film, she had to attend a Birthday Party. After I left my kid at her friend’s house, I contemplated the incident. Had I failed as a parent that my kid did not trust me enough to blindly follow me? Did she not feel that I am always right and that if I have stood up, I’m standing up for what I believe? My kid is a student of Delhi Public School & belongs to the ‘Agni House’, the motto of which is boldly embroidered in white on her red T-shirt- “Fight For What You Believe.” Is my kid following this? The voice in my head was supportive. It argued in favour of my kid! My kid has a mind of her own. In the Cinema-Hall, she did not ape me or feel forced to give me company or to support me. I have always encouraged her to apply her mind and decide the best course of action. She acted within the realms of her knowledge and understanding. Then, of course, she is aware- ‘As in Rome, do as the Romans’. Are we afraid to stand out and be different? Is that why we have so few leaders? Is the crowd-behaviour of Indians setting a good example for our kids? Can we teach or impose Patriotism? Had most people stood up in the Hall while the National Anthem played, those seated would also realize and stand up to be a part of the majority. We would have set a practical example and a lifetime’s lesson for our kids there and then. Again, if our education-system had trained our kids well enough, they would have ensured that their parents did not insult our National Anthem while it played! I reasoned that parents can’t possibly teach everything to their kids; the outside world & the kid’s perception & grasping also has a role to play. In the Hindi film, Ferrari Ki Sawaari, there’s a dialogue- “Jo Dekha, Wo Seekha” (What we saw, that we learnt or Learning by Observing) Leading by example, practicing what we preach- We’ll learn from observation & practical experience all that life wishes to teach. My kid is so small and still has a lifetime to learn and unlearn and earn the crown of wisdom & experience. 

It was soon time for me to pick her up from the Birthday Party. I landed up at her friend’s place and rang the doorbell. Her friend’s mother answered the door. She was very pleased to hear that I’m “Adisri’s mother” & insisted that I meet everyone. She ushered me to her home as though I were some celebrity and announced to all the guests that I’m “Adisri’s mother”. All the parents & grandparents present there were very happy and were full of praise for my kid! They said that my kid had switched-off the lights of the rooms when they were not in use; she had turned off the bathroom’s light after everyone had finished washing their hands & the study-room’s where no one was there! She had even willingly exchanged her return-gift- the pink compass-box she had got with a little girl’s blue compass-box just because the latter desired a pink one and no one else volunteered! (This was news to me as my kid’s favourite colour is pink!) The voice in my head gave a jubilant cry of victory! I had earned a Parenting Certificate…I know that my parenting skills are always under test. But, I will always celebrate the days when my child suo motto stands up for the right things in life, including when our National Anthem plays...

I am sharing what 'I Saw and I Learnt' at BlogAdda.com in association with DoRight.in

'Learning For Life' shares some of what 'I Saw, I Learnt' - the right things that I have learnt from people, places and situations around me. Please do share your views on what you think about this.