In a dense dark time1, under a crimson sky coloured by humans clashing in two wars of the worlds - one before and one after2 - a tigress’s litter was born in captivity3.Even as the cubs snuggled close, seeking the mother’s enveloping warmth, it was clear that a female in the litter was going to be the dominant one. Little did she know then that she was to be destiny’s child, a national icon.4