Marvel: Reborn in 20th century India

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Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, July 15, 1946 (Afternoon Session)

The chime of a bell signaled the end of lunch, and the Cabinet ministers began returning to the conference hall, their discussions from earlier still fresh in their minds. The morning session on education had gone well, leaving a spirit of hope in the air. Aryan Yadav took his seat at the head of the table, his calm expression concealing the determination that drove him.

As the room settled, Aryan turned to G.D. Sondhi, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs. The two had spoken many times about Bharat's lack of presence in global sports. Today, Aryan planned to move beyond discussions.

He remembered very well how dire the situation of competitive sports were in his previous timeline. There was a time in his previous life's Bharat that there was a severe lack of funds to even buy shoes for the football team of Bharat that cost us the place to compete in FIFA World Cup, not to mention the lack of enthusiasm for Olympics which was an event widely celebrated as a global event. Although, the situation was improving in later years but the deep rooted problems still remained in the sporting culture and minds of people. The problem, he knew was more than just lack of political support or funds.

"Sondhi ji," Aryan began, his tone firm but sincere, "Bharat has always been a land of strength and skill. Yet, when it comes to sports, we barely register on the global stage. This has to change. Our people need to see themselves excelling in arenas that capture the world's attention."

Sondhi nodded, his face thoughtful. "I agree, Mr. President. We have the talent, but sports are still seen as a luxury for many, not a career. Where do you think we should start?"

"We start with the basics," Aryan replied. "Every school in Bharat must have physical education as a core part of the curriculum. Children should be exposed to both traditional games like kabaddi and kho-kho, and popular sports like cricket, football, and athletics. We'll introduce talent identification programs to support promising athletes early."

Sondhi leaned forward. "That's a solid foundation, but what about infrastructure? Many rural areas don't even have proper playgrounds."

Aryan acknowledged the point. "You're right. We'll set up community sports centers, starting with a few pilot districts. These will provide basic facilities and serve as hubs for training and competition. Over time, we'll expand nationwide. Additionally, we'll build specialized academies—wrestling in Haryana, football in Bengal, archery in tribal regions. We'll focus on our strengths while exploring new opportunities."

The room was quiet, the ministers considering Aryan's words. Sondhi broke the silence. "And for those who excel? How do we ensure they reach their full potential?"

"We'll establish high-performance centers," Aryan said without hesitation. "These will offer scientific training, injury recovery, and mental conditioning. We'll bring in expert coaches from Bharat and abroad to prepare athletes for international competition. Financial support will be critical—sponsorships, scholarships, and programs to secure their futures."

Sondhi raised another concern. "This will require significant funding. Can we even afford it?"

"We'll make it work," Aryan replied firmly. "The private sector will play a big role. Companies that invest in sports infrastructure or training will receive tax benefits. Public-private partnerships will help us turn this vision into reality."

Azad, sitting beside Sondhi, added, "This plan sounds ambitious, but what about changing attitudes of the general populace towards sports? Many still see it as a waste of time, focusing on educational exploits to improve their lifestyle and come out of their poverty."

Aryan turned to him. "That's where we need to inspire people. We need to make sure they see sports as a future career path, by granting scholarships or benefits in jobs that require physical fitness like police or army. We'll celebrate our sports heroes—those who've already achieved greatness and those on their way. We'll organize school, college, and village-level competitions annually to spark interest. These events will bring communities together and instill pride in sports."

Sondhi finally smiled. "And what about international competitions—like the Olympics or FIFA World Cup?"

Aryan's voice hardened with resolve. "We'll form task forces for major events. For the Olympics, we'll focus on sports where we have potential—shooting, wrestling, badminton, and athletics. For football and hockey, we need strong domestic leagues to nurture talent. And for cricket, we'll balance its popularity by funding other sports equally."

He paused, scanning the room. "This isn't just about winning medals. It's about showing our people that we can compete with the best in the world. It's about giving them something to believe in."

Sondhi nodded, his voice quiet but firm. "If we can make this happen, we won't just produce athletes—we'll build a legacy."

Aryan's voice was steady. "Then let's get started."

As the discussion continued, the ministers worked through the details. After some time, they adjourned for a short break before addressing the final topic of the day.

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Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, July 15, 1946 – Late Afternoon

After the break, the Cabinet returned to the conference hall, the weight of the day's discussions evident on their faces. Aryan stood, signaling the start of the final topic.

He turned to Dr. Gaurav Kapoor, a man in his early forties with a calm yet intense demeanor. Dr. Kapoor was born in a small village in Punjab, into a family dedicated to education and service. His father, a freedom fighter under Aryan's parents' leadership, and his mother, a teacher, deeply influenced him. Inspired by their dedication for the country, Kapoor pursued medicine, graduating from University of Calcutta before specializing in public health. Later as BSS (now known as BVS) resurfaced under Aryan's leadership, he joined his cause for independence treading the same path as his parents and took upon the role of providing medical aid to the freedom fighters, later joining the Quit India Movement, solidifying his reputation of commitment and innovation. Kapoor had been initially hesitant to join politics, but Aryan had insisted, recognizing the doctor's commitment to public health.

"Dr. Kapoor," Aryan began, "today we've discussed education and sports—ways to strengthen the mind and body of our people. But now we must address something even more important: health. Bharat cannot rise if its citizens are struggling with preventable illnesses and lack of care."

Kapoor nodded, his gaze steady. "You've always spoken about an inclusive approach. I'm sure this will be no different."

Aryan's tone was serious. "It won't be. Our healthcare system needs to be modern, accessible, and rooted in our traditions. Right now, access is uneven, resources are limited, and Ayurveda is largely ignored. We need to change this."

Kapoor folded his hands. "It's a massive task. Where do we begin?"

Aryan outlined his plan. "We start with three priorities: universal access, integrating Ayurveda and modern medicine, and focusing on prevention."

"For universal access, every citizen—rich or poor, urban or rural—must have healthcare. We'll set up primary healthcare centers with trained staff and essential medicines. For those who can't afford care, we'll launch a national health insurance scheme."

Kapoor raised a concern. "Primary care is important, but what about specialized treatment? Rural hospitals often lack even basic surgical facilities."

"We'll establish district hospitals with critical care units," Aryan replied. "For advanced treatments, we'll create regional centers for things like cancer and organ transplants. No one should have to travel across the country for life-saving care."

He shifted to the second point. "Ayurveda is part of our heritage, but it's been sidelined. We'll establish research institutes to validate traditional treatments and integrate them into hospitals. Doctors will be trained in both systems so patients get the best of both worlds."

Kapoor leaned back thoughtfully. "It's a bold idea. If done right, it could put Bharat at the forefront of global healthcare."

Aryan nodded. "It's the future. But we also need to change how people view health. Prevention has to become a priority. We'll promote hygiene, nutrition, and fitness. Yoga and simple Ayurvedic practices will be encouraged in schools and communities."

Kapoor's face lit up. "Preventive care is critical. What about early detection?"

Aryan was ready. "We'll organize health camps and train community workers for vaccinations and maternal care. School programs will monitor children's health."

Finally, Aryan touched on technology. "Telemedicine will connect rural areas to doctors in cities. We'll create a national digital health database to ensure continuity of care. Research and innovation will be supported through collaborations with global institutions."

Kapoor smiled faintly. "You've covered every angle. It's ambitious, but it's what the country needs. You have my full support."

Aryan looked at him, his voice steady. "Together, we'll build a system where no one is left behind."

As the meeting ended, the ministers rose, determined to turn these ideas into reality. Aryan lingered for a moment, watching the sun set over Rashtrapati Bhavan, ready to lead Bharat into a healthier, stronger future.

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