Abhishek Bachchan
Conservation and environmental protection are laudable objectives but conservation of human values and fundamental principles of decency are also equally important.
TO ME Abhishek Bachchan is no different then any of the lucky breed of politicians, businessmen, actors. That they should enjoy the fruits of their heritage is very much in consonance with the law of nature. We, the lesser mortals, may feel envy, jealousy, helplessness, resentment or satisfaction and pleasure on their lot but it doesn’t matter. They have every right to avail what has fallen in their lap. I do also firmly believe that no one should deprive them of their bounties as long as they follow the laws of civilised society. Simply they are luckier than others.
The subject of this discussion is Abhishek Bachchan. He is a thorough gentleman and a tolerably good actor, a lucky husband. That he has got easy lollipops in the beginning of his career was never unexpected.
However, being the son of a mega star didn’t help him much. Those who were jealous of the success of Amitabh tried to smother the career of his son. He is not counted much even today.
Though I have never liked the politics of Amitabh Bachcan, I have always held him in high regards for his acting talents. I have always felt that artists, being impulsive and emotional, are not the correct material for politics. These masters of acting can play their roles with aplomb only on stage or screen. They are incapable to play and survive in the dirty game of politics because they don’t understand it. Ronald Reagan or MGR and some of his / her peers are exceptions to the rule. Amitabh got his fingers burned in politics long ago and he should have withdrawn. Today, the humiliation heaped on his son is not at all the result of Abhishek’s doing. If WWF was so afraid of government, why did this body involve Junior Bachchan in the campaign from the beginning? It had no right to insult junior Bachchan. This act is unethical and must be condemned in highest terms.
For the benefit of the readers I would shed some light on WWF – India itself.
First, it is not a government body and it takes its decisions independently. WWF-India is one of the largest conservation organisation engaged in wildlife and nature conservation in the country. It was established as a charitable trust on November 27, 1969, and it has an experience of over four decades in the field. From a modest beginning, the organisation was propelled forward by the efforts of its founders and associates who volunteered their time and energy to lend momentum to this movement. A part of WWF International, the organisation has made its presence felt through a sustained effort not only towards nature and wildlife conservation, but sensitising people by creating awareness through capacity building and enviro-legal activism. A challenging, constructive, science-based organisation WWF addresses issues like the survival of species and habitats, climate change and environmental education.
Historically, WWF-India started as a wildlife conservation organisation with a focus on protecting a particular species of wild flora and fauna. Over the years, the perspective broadened to reflect a more holistic understanding of conservation issues facing the country. To suit India’s specific ecological and socio-cultural situation, WWF-India articulated its mission in 1987 as follows:
“The promotion of nature conservation and environmental protection as the foundation for sustainable and equitable development.”
Conservation and environmental protection are laudable objectives but conservation of human values and fundamental principles of decency are also equally important. Humiliating Abhishek Bachchan was a mistake, an umbrage, a faux pas and it was done just to be in the good books of the Gandhi family. It would boomerang even upon those whom they have tried to please. There is no compromise on basic principles. Apologise before its too late!
