A nineteen year old Indian has received several offers of help after a video of him returning from work went viral on social media. The video was shot by filmmaker Vinod Kapri, who offered a lift to the 19 year old Pradeep Mehra as he ran past his car. But Pradeep turned down the offer, saying he ran around 10 km every night to keep himself in shape to join the Indian Army. This video was uploaded by Vinod Kapri on Sunday (20th March 2022) and has generated more than 7 million views so far.
Pradeep Mehra was running to his home on Sunday night after his shift at McDonald’s outlet in sector 16 of Noida city on the outskirts of the national capital Delhi- when Vinod Kapri spotted him. The filmmaker offered him a lift after seeing him run with a backpack, thinking he might be in trouble. Vinod Kapri shot the video from his car as he slowly drove alongside Pradeep Mehra, asking him questions to understand why he refused lift. The filmmaker said, “ you will fall in love with this guy, if you listen to his reasons.”
Pradeep, who lives in Noida with his elder brother, told th filmmaker he ran every night after work because he did not have time during the day to exercise. “ My routine will be affected if I come with you in your car” When filmmaker asks him to have dinner with him, Pradeep refuses, saying he needed to cook food for himself and his elder brother, who was also working in late shift. On asking why he did not run in the morning. Pradeep says he had to wake up early and cook before leaving for work.
Vinod Kapri, who was awed by this guy, complimented him for his grit and determination, and asked him what he will do if the video goes viral. “ Who is going to recognize me.. if the video goes viral, it is okay, it is not like I am doing anything wrong,” he replies laughing.
The next day night (ie on Sunday), Vinod Kapri returned to the McDonald’s outlet to meet Pradeep, after his shift is over. At that time Pradeep told Vinod Kapri that he had been getting a lot of calls from friends and people back home. “ The world bows before hard work,” he said about the tremendous response the video has received.
Pradeep spoke to the reporters outside his workplace, where he said “ Many people called me to join the army. But I do not think we can get into the army so easily. I have been preparing to join the army for quite a long time.” He further added that due to his financial conditions, he is forced to juggle work with practice. Upon being asked about how he feels after becoming an internet sensation, he said “ I feel extremely motivated and my zeal to join the army has increased manifold. Moreover, many people have offered to help me, I feel very good.”
Social media, after seeing this video, has gone crazy, and there are many celebrities who have posted their good wishes to Pradeep and showed their happiness over the determination of this young guy. Celebrities from Industries, Businesses, Political parties, Film Industry are pouring their responses, and there are thousands from the general public who have wished Pradeep a great future in the Indian Army.
There is one thing common in responses of all the people who have posted them on social media, about this guy’s determination and his resolve to be self reliant (AtmaNirbhar).
In the end, I wish this brave guy all the best for his future, and I am sure that his determination will make him succeed.
In case you have not seen the video, giving below the YouTube link of the same;
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
22nd March 2022