For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go.
Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH
KUNJARANI DEVI, Weightlifter, 42
international medals
People in Manipur used to say, lifting weights is
the work of a man. They used to say, this girl wears
pants, lifts weights, what will become of her? I used to
get angry. I even hit some. "What is your
problem?" I asked. "I'm doing it for my
country." After the medals, they don't misbehave.
Sometimes, when we go abroad for a competition, I am
ashamed. We have lived like beggars, with not enough
money. Once I missed a gold medal because they arranged
the visas too late. I took part in a higher weight
category and lifted more weights than the champion in my
category; my heart really broke at that time. But then we
have to do it for India. Whatever I am today is because
of India.
What drives me to win is that from among all the crores
in India, one Kunju will go and I have to show the world
what one Kunju of India can do.
For
some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism
or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation
for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly
ever considered, to surface. INDIA
TODAY presents frank, unguarded
thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally
unknown -- people across the nation who make up the
fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is
the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows
how far we have come. And how far we need to go. 
KUNJARANI DEVI, Weightlifter, 42
international medals
