MALAYSIA has just celebrated her 50th birthday and it is during such historical moments that I tend to become a little more reflective.

I have moved into the third decade of my existence, and on a personal note, it is hard to imagine that only two decades before my birth, this nation was still in the cradle of colonialism.

Comparatively, Malaysia is a very young nation, and like all adolescents, she has her fair share of ups and downs. Although there is still much disgruntlement and dissatisfaction, it is hard to deny that she has done rather well.

The more mature democracies were not developed overnight. They learnt from centuries of mistakes.

Hence, it is wrong to expect immediate changes and we as a nation must learn to be patient. But this does not mean that those striving to make a better Malaysia should throw in the towel.

Change can be likened to a colossal mechanical contraption. It chugs along at a slow pace and in order for it not to break down, it must be oiled by generation after generation.

These past few days, my mind has been preoccupied with thoughts of the country's many achievements and those great men and women responsible for them.

My mind also traveled to other distant lands to remember the great heroes there, both contemporary and ancient. Men and women who sacrificed much, including their lives, for a better tomorrow.

Was it worth it?

However, there are times when I cannot help but ask if these sacrifices were made in vain?

Take Mahatma Gandhi for instance. Who would have imagined this frail-looking and soft-spoken man, clad in simple raiment, to be an instrumental force in driving out the British from India.

I have often wondered if the 'Great Soul' would have embarked on such an altruistic struggle if he was, through some mystical power, given a glimpse of the present condition of his beloved country?

Plagued by poverty, corruption, communal strife and much more, it gives rise to the question if India is truly free? She still appears to be colonised by the very factors that motivated the British to come to her shores centuries ago, greed and power.

Her children are forced to travel far and wide in search of a better life. They face much hardship, exploitation and even abuse in the hands of unscrupulous employers. Are these really free men?

A Tamil song I heard over the radio recently echoed this sorrowful state. The lyrics went, "I've been told that our country has achieved independence, but where is it, I cannot see it. Will the poor like us remain slaves forever."

Ordinary heroes

When I was younger, I had much zeal in me. Burning with ideals, I was prepared to take on the world, to do whatever it took to make this a better place. Words like equality, justice and freedom rang in my ears as I drew inspiration from the likes of Gandhi, Marx and numerous other visionaries and intellectuals.

Things are a little different now. I am still driven by the same ideals, but may be not as passionately as before. As I grow older, I am beginning to see and appreciate the little things around me.

I have stopped gazing at heroes in faraway lands, and started looking at those closer to home, like my parents for example.

My father who worked tirelessly for more than four decades to provide for his family. As a child, I never realized how much he had sacrificed so that my sister and I could have a decent upbringing.

He drove an old car for years so that his children could have new things. With a modest income, he provided us with the best he could. My mother too had sacrificed much for us. No matter how tired, she cooked for us, hand washed our clothes and made sure that all our needs were met.

Yes, my parents and I had countless arguments. We were from different generations and had different perspectives about life. But whatever the situation, back then and even now, my sister and I know that we can always count on them.

I learnt many noble lessons from my parents. Despite their hardship, I saw them help numerous people, be it friends, relatives or even complete strangers.

And since I was in primary school, no matter how many friends I brought back home, my mother never once complained, she would cook for them and even prepare tea and biscuits. This happens even today.

I salute all of them

Apart from my parents, I have had the honour and privilege of meeting many other ordinary heroes over the years.

Friends, who despite growing up in a rough neighbourhood riddled with violence and drugs, still being able to make something out of their lives. While those who did fall prey to such ills, desperately trying to make a difference and turn over a new leaf.

I have met many disabled people who managed to overcome all the odds to live independently and even help others, who suffered a similar cruel twist of fate, to do the same.

And not to forget, my girlfriend who is on a mission to rescue all stray dogs in the world or my gym instructor, who delivers newspapers in the wee hours of the morning to make ends meet, but is yet willing to keep the gym open late into the night for no extra pay so that we can finish our exercise routine.

I also remember the two policemen who came to the aid of an elderly Chinese woman after her car broke down. They helped push her car to the side of the road in the pouring rain and waited there until a mechanic arrived.

So look around, the world is full of ordinary heroes. For this Merdeka, I wish to salute them all. God Bless these souls and God Bless Malaysia.

RK ANAND is a malaysiakini team member.