Hard work, willpower, character and discipline can make a man reach the sky. Three examples are America President Barrack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Milkha Singh.
This was said by Flying Sikh Milkha Singh here on Wednesday at the Ekalabya Award giving ceremony of the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT).
Singh said Prime Minister Modi was a tea seller but won the hearts of millions of Indians to become PM. Wherever he goes whether China, Russia or Pakistan he extends hands of friendship.
“My dream is to see an Indian win an Olympic medal in athletics in my lifetime. In 1957, I had set an Asian record in 400 meters in Cuttack. After 55 years again, I have come to Odisha,” Singh said, adding that he had not known what were Olympics or Asian Games. I thank the Indian Army for it, said Singh, who had joined the Indian Army.
The Government can provide the infrastructure; equipment and stadiums, but the Indian Olympics Association should lift the standards. “OTV and its promoter had the courage to bring me here though initially I had declined due to the long flight,” he said.
On the occasion, Odisha sprint queen Srabani Nanda received the Ekalabya Award from Milkha Singh. Two Indian hockey team players Deep Grace Ekka and Deepsan Tirkey were also felicitated.
Among others, MP Baijayant Panda, Jagi Mangat Panda and Water Resources Secretary PK Jena were present.