Tukaram

Tukaram Ombale

Ask anyone,
“Who is Ajmal Kasab?”
Nine out of ten will answer, without blinking.

But ask,
“Who is Tukaram Gopal Ombale?”
Silence.

No one remembers.
No one recalls the man
Who didn’t just fight,
But caught the devil alive.

26/11 – The Night Mumbai Bled
Two men with guns.
Hundreds of lives in danger.
A city gripped in fear.

Amidst the chaos stood one man.
Unarmed. Alone. Brave.
Tukaram Ombale.
He stopped Kasab,
Grabbed the barrel of an AK-47
With his bare hands.

Bullets tore through him.
But he didn’t let go.
Because letting go meant
Kasab escapes.
And India loses the truth.

He died.
So we could live.

Yet, we forgot his name.
Because we are wired to remember fear,
Not courage.

We are quick to recall killers.
But slow to salute saviors.

Our families smile today
Because someone left theirs forever.
Our children laugh freely
Because someone risked
The parenthood of their own.

I was no exception.
Until today.

Tukaram Ombale —
A name I will never forget again.
Neither should you.

He didn't wear a cape.
He wore a badge.
And gave everything.

Let’s remember the hero
Who showed us
What real courage looks like.