The AMRI hospital in Kolkata will now remain as the prime example of human negligence and “taken for granted” attitude. The privately run seven-storey hospital had its most fateful day, when fire broke out in its building, killing 93 people till date.  At a time when the reason for the fire is still being debated and enquiry teams are being set up, there is a story of sacrifice that has captured the imagination of this country. The story of two brave nurses, Remya Rajappan and P.K. Vineetha, who in their early twenties attained immortality through an unprecedented act of kindness and courage. They were two ordinary people hailing from a small town in Kerala, but when the call of duty arrived at the most wanting hour, these young women chose not to run away from their responsibility. They pulled out eight of the nine patients from the smoke-filled female ward and succumbed to the smoke and heat when they went up to save the ninth patient who had suffered a fracture.  They laid down their lives for the values they believed in. Perhaps this quality distinguishes the extraordinary from the rest.

In an age where barriers are drawn between human consciences, their act of bravery has a wider significance. Their story will inspire us and remind us that humanity is still not dead and buried as is commonly perceived. Circumstances like these can challenge even the bravest individual. But these two young women were not deterred. They forgot the fact that they had a family waiting for them and looking up to them. All they had in mind was to rescue their fellow beings. The thoughts that must have gone through their minds when starting off to save the 9th patient in the ward will remain unknown forever. But this act of altruism, from now on, will define how we chose to perceive an individual’s commitment to the society.

Though this is a moment of grief, humanity will still find a reason to celebrate. Because Remya and Vineetha, established beyond question that it is the only thing that matters in times of trouble. Perhaps they have even successfully managed to blur the boundaries of many conflicting identities. Next time if you choose to speak passionately about divisions and distinctions, then please remind yourselves of these women who sacrificed their lives without a second thought for the cause of humanity. That will be the perfect honor we can ever give them. 

India has a rich history that has often excited us. But even in those stories transferred across generations, there have only been a few that spoke about the bravery of Indian women. Perhaps Rani of Jhansi remains the only name that had epitomized the brave Indian women through the generations.  Today the story of these nurses has that charm and power to transcend time. But in all respects, the chances are more that their story will also be forgotten. Perhaps today or later! When we hear reports that say the fire alarms of the hospital were turned off to allow doctors to smoke, we hang our heads in shame. However it is their story that restores at least a part of our lost pride and sense of belief.

Clamouring for state honors for these women has already begun. Without doubt they fully deserve all the civilian honors this country can offer. But our real tribute to them should not just be these honors. In a world where the fairer sex is largely discriminated, their story should be a wakeup call.  They carried the burden of their families like a man and worked out of their comfort zones in poor work environments to make ends meet. Yet, in a time of crisis, they offered their lives for their fellow beings. For them it was perhaps just like one of those numerous sacrifices that a woman makes in her lifetime! Tomorrow if misleading ideologies to act against a woman carry you away, please try and see in them the faces of these women. Perhaps the next time you see a woman in a vulnerable situation, please dare to act because their life really matters. This will be the best tribute that we can ever give to those departed souls. We have preached so much in the name of woman empowerment, but seldom has any mental transformation happened in this regard. Now their story should inspire another reason to celebrate womanhood!