Olympians, the major deities who ruled the world and soul of all existence had indeed left an everlasting mark in the face of the planet. Age of Olympians are gone, but they have not vanished completely. They exist among us, inspiring us and challenging us to excel and exceed. World is your canvas and each person no matter who he is, paints an everlasting portrait with his life for generations to cherish. A few portraits stand apart, emerging themselves as standards for generations yet to come. They spread the power of colours beyond the canvas and into the hearts of other portraits to make a definitive change. A change that transforms the world around them and continue to inspire generations. What separates a champion from a celebrity is how they reflect upon the society. While most focus upon their reflection upon the world and maintain the focus to themselves, a champion shatters the wall that separates them from the crowd. He shares his success and his tale of sweat with the crowd that cheered him and shared his tears. Only a person with conviction and conscience can implement such change, while keeping the focus still on what they do the best. 

BodyPower India was a venue that brought the Olympians among the demigods waiting for a spark of inspiration to light a revolution. A photograph or an autograph with someone from fitness industry is not as hard to get, compared to that from film industry. I felt like writing this because I was often asked by surprised fans about the peaceful and calm nature of bodybuilders who were patient to meet every fan with the same enthusiasm of greeting the first person they shook hands with. The mantra boils down to a single word - "Character". Fitness is more than business or entertainment. It is a lifestyle that intends to add more value to life. A strong character cannot be built without the foundation of respect. Despite being successful actors or businessmen these athletes spend hours, just to make the individuals who appreciate them leave with a smile. More than publicity it is the outcome of their dedication. Hours of work at the gym, at the kitchen and during deep sleep is not worthwhile unless appreciated by the ones who respect and look up to the Olympians. This tradition is way older than the internet age. Back in the 80's it was bodybuilders who happily acknowledged their fans to pose with them and walked away with a smile. It is respect that shaped this industry and respect is the ultimate standard by which an individual is measured in the fitness industry. Indeed these small actions make a huge difference. Inspiration is a spark and once ignited, could be a powerful driving force that can shape revolutions. Though many of the athletes remain to be multimillionaires and famous who had transcended into film industry, politics, business or fitness itself, most of them are approachable and soak upon the warmth of the crowd who loves them. 

In my opinion no one had explained this better than Arnold Schwarzenegger. During USC Commencement Address of 2009 he stated the 6th Rule of Success - "it's about giving back" "Whatever path that you take in your lives, you must always find time to give something back, something back to your community, give something back to your state or to your country." 

The highlight was not just about being physically superior or stealing the highlight of the event. But also about how much one could give back to the world that appreciated the sweat and guts during the journey to the top. This comes from the inherent understanding that your life is your statement to the world. A statement that proves your intensity and integrity that transformed not just your existence but how it influenced the world around you. Not just in fitness industry but throughout life it’s not about where you are in life, but who you have by your side that makes a difference.