June 9, 2004
Ashok Paskalraj
Computer Science Engineer
If Nikhila's essay on Kalpana Chawla won her a chance to be one of the 30 torchbearers of the Olympic flame when it comes to Delhi, 22 year-old Ashok Paskalraj was selected because a friend of his, Alex, wrote an essay on the person who inspired him the most, and that person was none other than Ashok!
Both Ashok and Alex were students of Anna University until they graduated in 2003. While Ashok majored in computer science, Alex studied mechanical engineering. Ashok got a job with Verizon immediately after graduation, but Alex was not so fortunate. It was Ashok who encouraged him, instilled confidence in him, and told him not to lose hope during those difficult days. Even during their college days, it was the studious Ashok who had always inspired Alex to work harder.
After several months of uncertainty, Alex got a job in a software firm. By then, Ashok had resigned and started preparing for the Common Aptitude Test. Both of them landed up at a theatre complex where Coca-Cola was holding their essay contest. Alex immediately went and wrote about Ashok.
"He had just landed the job and I felt great because he wrote about me," says Ashok. "He wrote that I motivated him and helped him to sail through a very difficult period of his life. He used to tell me that I was an inspiration to him, but I never imagined that it would take me this far!"
Ashok got a call from the company one day informing him that he had been chosen to carry the Olympic torch. "Initially I thought somebody was playing a prank on me," he says. "I didn't believe the news for a long time. The first person to whom I broke the news was Alex, but he too refused to believe me. Only after I showed him all the papers was he convinced. When I came home, all my other friends were waiting to celebrate, and we had a great time. Alex now says he has given me something in return for the help I've given him."
Ashok is happiest today that he is going to represent his country. He is also excited at the prospect of meeting some celebrities. "I would love to meet Rahul Dravid if he is there because he is a legend. It is a blessing to be carrying the Olympic torch, and representing the nation. And meeting the celebrities is only the icing on the cake. In fact, even during the day I am dreaming of carrying the torch."
Back | Next: Dr Velmurugan
Sports | Gallery
