His parents' decision to take the road less travelled has gone a long way in helping shooter Gagan Narang realise his Olympic dream, and the London Games bronze winner now plans to take his prized medal on a countrywide tour to inspire the next generation.
"I want my medal to travel across the country so that it inspires the coming generation," Narang said on Thursday.
The ace marksman, who clinched a bronze in the 10m air rifle event, in fact, wants his medal to be touched by the country's 1.2 billion people.
It was while coming back from the Royal Artillery Barracks to the Games Village after his moment of glory, that the idea hit upon him.
"I was coming back by bus after winning the medal. I saw the Olympics' motto -- Inspire A Generation -- and that's when I thought about it. Olympics belongs to the country, and I want to inspire," the 29-year-old shooter from Hyderabad told reporters.
It is by now a well documented fact that the Narangs years ago had to sell off a plot of land to help their son buy a rifle.
"There was a time when my parents had to sell off a plot of land so that I can buy a rifle for competitive tournaments. After that we stayed in a rented house for the next 15 years," an emotional Narang said.
Narang was felicitated by the Manav Rachna International University, where he is pursuing an MBA degree, for his exploits in London.
He was conferred the Manav Rachna Kirti Puraskar besides being awarded with Rs 11 lakh.
After winning innumerable medals on the world stage, the only thing missing in Narang's overflowing cupboard before the London Games was an Olympic medal. And the triumph in the world's biggest sporting event does give him a sense of achievement.
"It feels complete. The love and affection of the people, it's a humbling experience. It's a good feeling to be able to bring smiles on the faces of people," said Narang.
