Who would not remember November 26, 2008? On that day, Mumbai, the economic capital of India, was attacked by Pakistani terrorists. 

India mobilised its elite commandos to eliminate the terrorists. 

MyNation contacted one such brave heart who fought the terrorists, taking bullets for the nation on that fateful day.  

Meet Praveen Teotia, a MARCOS commando who went eye-to-eye with the dreaded terrorists. Here's the nation's hero recounting the encounter.  

 

Praveen is a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district. He lost his left lung and an ear in the fight with Ajmal Kasab and his comrades. But Praveen's courage could not be broken.

Praveen's body may have taken a blow, but he is as strong-willed as ever. He made the country proud by winning the world class Iron Man contest. One needs to go through three events over 17 hours to be eligible for this award. First, he swam 3.86km in 20 minutes, then he cycled 180km in 8 hours 10 minutes. Finally, he ran a marathon for 42km in 6 hours 30 minutes.

Can you imagine a man without a lungs completing all these tasks? But that is Praveen's love for his nation, which keeps him motivated even in tough situations.

Praveen is an iron man in the truest sense. Recently Sachin Tendulkar met him. Apart from that, he had appeared on the popular quiz show on TV, Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by film icon Amitabh Bachchan. Praveen has also got a medal for his courage from none less than the President of India. 

Praveen is an example for our youth. Today he is living a normal life in his village. His greatness is hidden in his simplicity.