Who are modern China's heroes? The answer is difficult to give in a market-driven and highly diversified society. "China Pride" a TV series produced by China Central Television (CCTV) searched for today's Chinese heroes.

Last week, after eight months of a nationwide search, nine people from eight provinces and municipalities were crowned the nation's modern-day heroes "2006 China Pride" competition.

The winners were common people, earning average or lower-than-average salaries, some less than 2,000 yuan (US$250) a month. They rush about making a living, looking after families and leading normal lives.

However, in moments of crisis when other people's lives are threatened, these people, whether a farmer, or a village women, or a bus driver, or a 70-year-old woman, or even teenagers, came out boldly and gave their helping hands.

Through co-operating with 18 local medias around the country, CCTV called the citizens in action to search for heroes just around them. Finally, among all the 34 candidates, nine winners were selected through consulting media judging panel and online voting.

Most of the audience on the spot of the award ceremony were moved to tears.

"We may never notice tonight's heroes when they brush past us. Heroes are common people and everyone could be possible to stand here on the stage to receive the cups," said Ning Jing, a famous Chinese actress appearing on the award ceremony as a special guest.

The heroes' deeds represent the best of human being, reveal our individual values and comment on those we perceive to be lacking in the world. In fact, though the definition for the heroes have changed over times, the emotional ties of people towards heroes never fade.

A total of 1.2 million people voted online on Sina.com for their favourite hero. Sina is the largest gateway website in China, and there are 2,258 comment pieces on the topic of China Pride. Most expressed their respect for the heroes and said they made themselves to have a deeper understanding of the value of life.

"To be heroes does not necessarily mean that we sacrifice our own lives to save others, but demonstrates a kind of instinctive and selfless affection and a true virtue buried in our hearts. What these heroes had done moved me to tears, and meanwhile had a feeling of guilt and regret for my own selfishness," an Internet user named Tianshixin wrote.

"When facing a sudden disaster, it is a huge test for everyone to dash ahead to save others regardless their own safety. However, it is much easier to treat others kindly and be willing to help in daily life. They are also heroes," responded another Internet user named Zdqcn.

"It is the first time in China to see a group of civilian heroes appearing before the public. The process of seeking common heroes in our lives is actually looking for a momentum for progress in the society," said Zhou Qing'an, a Beijing scholar, in an opinion article published in the Beijing News.

(China Daily November 14, 2006)