The measure of a person is known in adversity, in this case, it became known when the worst-ever natural disaster ravaged the southern shores of India.
The killer tsunami destroyed and deprived people of life, home and livelihood, leaving a trail of unimaginable grief. So cruel was it in its fury that people surged forward, like never before, to help those who had lost their all.
The Prime Minister's Relief Fund registered a record Rs 400 crore in two weeks; many just dropped whatever they were doing and set off for relief work; and a group of rickshaw drivers collected their days earnings in loose change for the suffering.
Many came forward to lend a hand to those picking up pieces of their lives from the depths of devastation. Doctors, relief workers, government officials, youngsters and countless others who worked tirelessly, unflinchingly, selflessly. Individuals who touched the lives of the suffering and provided succor.
In a special Republic Day feature, rediff.com celebrates these men and women for setting an example of public good. The true heroes of our 55th Republic Day.