Big B, NDTV raise Rs.4.86 crore for tigers
NDTV's 12-hour telethon to support the organisation's Save Our Tiger campaign, backed by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, has managed to generate contributions of over Rs.4.86 crore.
Campaign ambassador Bachchan, 68, along with NDTV's Prannoy Roy and Vikram Chandra highlighted the key issues of tiger conservation during the telethon.
Investment banker Hemendra Kothari donated of Rs.2.43 crore, while Bachchan donated Rs.28 lakh. The megastar also auctioned his Cartier watch and two pairs of designer glasses which raised another Rs.845,000.
"A year back when this campaign started, I felt honoured to be a part of it; and today I can see the efforts over the year bear fruit. The donations from this 12-hour telethon would be of immense help in providing the infrastructure required for consistent operations and activities in tiger conservation," Bachchan said in a press statement.
Other well-known names like Bhaichung Bhutia, Abhishek Bachchan, Nitin Gadkari, Diya Mirza, Manish Malhotra, Soli Sorabjee, Priya Dutt too did their bit, as did industry chamber Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and corporates such as Westside, said a press statement.
Children of Hyderabad-based Chirec School raised Rs.220,000 for contributing to the campaign.
According to Anish Andheria, director of Wildlife Conservation Trust, the funds raised through the telethon were sufficient to create and deploy 35 rapid response teams (RRTs) and cover all the 38 tiger reserves in the country that are home to 1,411 big cats.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Big B Excitement of the campaign for Save Our Tiger Blog News
Big B Excitement of the campaign for Save Our Tiger Blog News
Jalsa , Mumbai Dec 13 , 2010 Mon 10 : 45 PM
Back in Mumbai and home, but the heart and mind still wandering in the forests of Pench and among the excitement of the campaign for Save Our Tiger. So much to learn and get knowledge of during this short stay. I went into this venture as another celebrity endorsing another cause, much like what we do in so many others, but have come away deeply involved and concerned for the plight of the tiger, our national animal. There were so many facets that we were so unaware of, so many little pieces of information, the simplicity of the campaign and how little it takes to do just that much in order that this magnificent animal can survive. And to think that the most pertinent and simple and revealing aspect of the tiger came about from the lips of a little kid in one of the several sites that were functional during this marathon telethon. He said, or was it a she, that the tiger is like an umbrella under the shade of which grow survive and develop several other aspects of life and nature.
The tiger when protected will live in the forests. The forests will survive and so will the trees and the flora and fauna. Apart from the mountainous terrains of the country and in particular the Himalayas which from the source of rivers, it is the forests that become the origine of rivers in the country. It is the forest that soaks in all the rain water and then eventually becomes the reservoir for the water which forms the rivers. Forests become the reason and cause for the rain because of their emissions. Protection of the environment makes for healthy nature existence and then follow a series of other benefits for our daily livelihood.
Now alarmingly only 1411 tigers left in the country, when during the turn the the century there were 40,000. The world population of the tiger is now about 3-4000, so that makes a quarter of the world tiger population existing in India alone, and hence the importance of doing everything we can to protect them.
What was urgently needed was Rapid Response Teams to facilitate emergencies in the jungle, which can go a long way to protect the animal. Our RRT ’s are so ill equipped that it was a shame to see them on foot in the forests, with just a stick and their courage to help in protecting the tiger from its enemies and itself. Each reserve in the country and there are several needed at least 2 RRT’s and the funding of RRT was approximately 14 lakh rupees.
At the very start of the event I donated one unit and Abhishek did another unit. So at least one game park had been taken care of. NDTV had hoped that they would consider it worthwhile if they could get 10 such units during the course of the telethon. But guess what ! We were able to muster funds to get 35 units, approximately 5 crore rupees.
I also put up some of my personal belongings on auction - 2 of my favorite sunglasses and a Cartier watch of mine. The glasses fetched Rs 1.25 lakhs and 60,000 rupees respectively. And the watch got a bid of Rs 7.20 lakhs !! Not bad at all !! So full of pride and happy that we were able to do this all for the tiger. In the finale I jammed a bit too with the Shankar Ehsaan Loy band and drummed a rhythm on a special drum that you sat on like a stool and thumped. Cool stuff !!
The setting was right in the heart of the territory just a few hundred yards away from the reserve in the forest, so it looked natural and very authentic. The entire work force of this event had been working hard for several days, getting things in order, and a very large contingent of the NDTV channel were there, working till late hours to get the entire thing going and working to its efficient best. Incredible job !!
There are some pictures of my day visit into the jungle. No tiger but some very interesting others.
Sot the spotted dear and the langur monkey ! Almost so beautifully camouflaged that at quick glance it would be difficult to see them. The deer is under the tree on the left and further left among the creepers is a white spot - the langur, sitting. The spotted deer and the langur move together always. Reason. Since the grass is dry, the deer does not get sufficient to eat. The langur due to its ability to climb the trees, goes high up in the branches to get its leaves and fruit and throwing away waste that it cannot devour. This the deer gets and eats to survive. Also the deer remains close to the monkey, because they are the first to spot the predator when it is on the move. A alarm and a warning to the deer !
Look at both the pictures of these trees and tell me what is so special about them !!!
The camera team that covers everything during my trip to the jungle. Enthusiastic fans on oncoming vehicle also captured in the picture.
Ratna, our very well informed and trained naturalist. Drove us through the jungle, most of the time with her head facing us behind her and giving us intricate details of the forest the animals and their habits !!
The Ghost tree ! Among large areas of green forest a single white leafless tree ! That is why its name.
Spotted deer ! Male and female and I am certain with a few langurs up in the trees !!
Another start ghost tree !!
The bison or a close relative known here as the ‘Gaur’, with its white stockinged legs ..
Excavated earth by the bottom of a tree. Not by man or water or river force. Its earth eaten by the monkey and deer, because of its rich salt content !!
Serene picturesque terrain … beautiful as the evening comes in ..
More later I hope and with love
Amitabh Bachchan
Telethon for Save Our Tiger campaign Big B Blog News
Pench National Tiger Reserve, Baghvan Resort, MP Dec 12/13 , 2010 Sun/Mon 12 : 33 AM
What an incredible day ! Just back from the Telethon for Save Our Tiger campaign. 12 hours non stop live television. Collecting funds for the most important and noble cause. Thoroughly excited with what transpired. Collected approx 5 crore Rupees. Gave personal belongings for auction - two of my favorite sun glasses and a watch of mine. The glasses went for 1.25 lakhs, and 70,000 rupees. The watch went for 7.20 lakhs. And all for the cause of saving this beautiful animal. A feeling of great satisfaction to be a part of this effort and a great education for me on what the preservation of the tiger means to all of us. Truly very committed individuals that have been pushing this very important cause for years and finally seeing something concrete being taken up. Learning the habits and habitats of this remarkable animal. Learning how the forest and its importance works a long way in the protection of tigers in various parts of the country, and so many other details. A fascinating adventure into the world of an unknown factor and how fortunate that I was able to be a part of it.
The enthusiasm shown by all sections of people across the board. The children in different parts of the country, working towards this cause and the knowledge they have on the importance of saving the tiger - absolutely unimaginable ! My deepest regard to them. And regard to NDTV and Aircel in taking up this vital issue and bringing it to the attention of all.
Putting up a show of this magnitude is no small matter and I really must congratulate all those involved in its production. Tv is a massive organisation. Hundreds work tirelessly, so a few hours of a few anchors can be put to broadcast. And when we have a live event for 12 hours non stop, then the responsibility and execution becomes even more intricate and important. But all went well. It must be noted that the normal facilities of a studio were not available to us here in the middle of the forest. So that factor of the magnitude of the task multiplies.
But all is well that ends well. And I would like to believe that the donations for the Rapid Response Force - the forest rangers and those that work tirelessly in the forests - have reached a certain figure that shall be able to provide the essential equipment in the shape of survival kits to these fearless and committed workers.
I am again going to keep this short and less informative, simply because the internet services are so inconsistent that we could get cut off any minute. I would rather not risk that.
I return tomorrow and hopefully shall be in a position to give elaborate details on this trip.
Love to all
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan Biography Filmography And Personal life
| Amitabh Bachchan | |
|---|---|
 Amitabh Bachchan | |
| Born | Amitabh Harivansh Bachchan 11 October 1942 Allahabad, United Province, Indian Empire |
| Occupation | Actor, producer, singer, television presenter |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Spouse | Jaya Bhaduri (1973–present) |
Amitabh Harivanshrai Bachchan Biography
Amitabh Harivansh Bachchan on October 11, 1942), is an Indian film actor. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the "angry young man" of Bollywood cinema, [1][2] and has since become one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema.
Bachchan has won numerous major awards in his career, including three National Film Awards and twelve Filmfare Awards. He holds the record for most number of Best Actor nominations at the Filmfare Awards. In addition to acting, Bachchan has worked as a playback singer, film producer and television presenter, and was an elected member of the Indian Parliament from 1984 to 1987.
Bachchan is married to actress Jaya Bhaduri. They have two children,Shweta Nanda and Abhishek Bachchan. Abhishek is also an actor and is married to actress Aishwarya Rai.
Filmography
Latest films
Main article: Amitabh Bachchan filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Family - Ties of Blood | Viren Sahi | |
| Darna Zaroori Hai | Professor | ||
| Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna | Samarjit Singh Talwar (aka. Sexy Sam) | Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Baabul (2006 film) | Balraj Kapoor | ||
| 2007 | Eklavya: The Royal Guard | Eklavya | |
| Nishabd | Vijay | ||
| Cheeni Kum | Buddhadev Gupta/Ghaspus | ||
| Shootout at Lokhandwala | Special appearance, Dingra | ||
| Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | Special appearance, Sutradhar | ||
| Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag | Babban Singh | ||
| Om Shanti Om | Special appearance, Himself | ||
| 2008 | Jodhaa Akbar | Narrator | |
| Bhoothnath | Bhoothnath (Kailash Nath) | ||
| Sarkar Raj | Subhash Nagre aka Sarkar | ||
| God Tussi Great Ho | God Almighty | ||
| The Last Lear | Harish 'Harry' Mishra | ||
| 2009 | Delhi-6 | Special appearance, Dadaji | |
| Aladin | Genius the Gennie | ||
| Paa | Auro | Winner, Filmfare Best Actor Award Winner, National Film Award for Best Actor | |
| 2010 | Rann | Vijay Harshvardhan Malik | |
| Teen Patti | Venkat | ||
| Shoebite (Post-production) | John Periera | ||
| Kandahar[76] | Lokanathan Sharma |
Producer
| Year | Film |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Tere Mere Sapne |
| 1997 | Ullasam |
| Mrityudaata | |
| 1998 | Major Saab |
| 2001 | Aks |
| 2005 | Viruddh |
| 2006 | Family - Ties of Blood |
Playback singer
| Year | Film |
|---|---|
| 1979 | The Great Gambler |
| Mr. Natwarlal | |
| 1981 | Lawaaris |
| Naseeb | |
| Silsila | |
| 1983 | Mahaan |
| Pukar | |
| 1984 | Sharaabi |
| 1989 | Toofan |
| Jaadugar | |
| 1992 | Khuda Gawah |
| 1998 | Major Saab |
| 1999 | Sooryavansham |
| 2001 | Aks |
| Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham | |
| 2002 | Aankhen |
| 2003 | Armaan |
| Baghban | |
| 2004 | Dev |
| Aetbaar | |
| 2006 | Baabul |
| 2007 | Nishabd |
| Cheeni Kum | |
| 2008 | Bhoothnath |
| 2009 | Aladin |
| Paa |
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