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Anant Ambani’s Dedication to Elephants Moves Me to Act for Animal Welfare
How Anant Ambani’s ‘Sevalaya’ Philosophy Encouraged Me to Serve Without Expectation
How Anant Ambani’s Vision for Project Vantara Captivated Me
– Prof. Jasim Mohammad
I was casually browsing through my social media feed, the screen alive with the day’s happenings and endless conversations. Amidst the usual blend of updates and memes, something unusual caught my eye – a surge of posts and comments about Anant Ambani’s latest interview on “Jab We Met.” The buzz around his candid conversation piqued my curiosity, leading me to seek out the full interview on YouTube. With a few taps, I searched for the interview, and what I found was an insightful session with Anant Ambani, the youngest progeny of the Ambani lineage. He articulated with depth and passion his vision for Project Vantara, his ambitious endeavour aimed at wildlife conservation. It was a heartfelt appeal to the audience which focused on the significant need to protect our natural world. His words, filled with genuine concern and commitment, struck a chord with me. Here was someone from one of the most influential families, using his platform to advocate for the environment and its inhabitants. It was refreshing and inspiring to witness such dedication towards creating a harmonious existence between humans and nature.
Anant spoke with a lucidity that belied his years, articulating his vision for a more sustainable future. His words were imbued with the conviction of someone who has dedicated considerable thought and resources to the cause. The project, as he described, isn’t just about protecting the environment; it is also about creating a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. I am struck by the profound sense of duty he carries towards the gentle giants of our planet – the elephants. His words, echoing through the chambers of my mind, paint a vivid picture of his dedication to these creatures. The Radha Krishna Elephant Welfare Trust, a sanctuary he speaks of with profound respect, serves as a clear demonstration of his dedication to animal welfare. The project Vantara in Jamnagar, which he passionately discusses, is a refuge for elephants and a symbol of hope. It envisions a world where humans and animals live together peacefully, unbound by the pressures of mistreatment and harm.
I could say that Anant’s interview on ‘Jab We Met’ is a revelation of his personal philosophy. His conviction in the Sanatan philosophy, which advocates for equilibrium and reverence towards every living entity, and his comparison to Hanuman, a symbol of steadfast devotion and assistance to his siblings, reveals much about his personality. It speaks volumes about his role within his family and his approach to life – one of selfless service and devotion. This same ethos is evident in his work with the elephants, where he serves as a caretaker and protector of animals. The plight of elephants in India is not a new story. For years, these majestic animals have been subjected to harsh treatment in circuses and laborious tasks in cities and villages. Anant’s endeavour with the Trust is rewriting this story, impacting the lives of elephants one by one. His efforts to rescue and rehabilitate these animals are a hope of change, which illuminates the path towards a kinder world.
In the conversation, Anant also touched upon Reliance’s renewed emphasis on sustainable energy. This pivot towards sustainability is a business strategy and a reflection of his personal commitment to the environment. Through his support for renewable resources and natural methods, he is establishing a model for other businesses to emulate, demonstrating that financial success and ecological responsibility can coexist harmoniously. The distinctive Elephant Kitchen at Vantara, presented during the interview, is an extraordinary creation in its own right. It is a place where the nutritional needs of these rescued elephants are met with the utmost care and precision. This initiative is a clear indication of the thought and effort put into every aspect of the Trust’s operations.
Influenced by his mother, Anant’s commitment to these elephants extends beyond simple benevolence; it represents ‘Sevalaya’, a chamber dedicated to serving others. This distinction is significant, for it highlights the spirit of giving without expecting anything in return. It represents an unadulterated act of service that aims to respect the inherent worth of these creatures.
As I pen down my thoughts, I am filled with a sense of admiration for Anant Ambani. His work is not just about rescuing elephants; it’s also about restoring balance to our ecosystem. It involves acknowledging the unity of all living beings and responding to it with empathy and firm belief. The Radha Krishna Elephant Welfare Trust has successfully rescued over 200 elephants throughout India. This staggering number is a clear validation of the scale and impact of Anant’s vision. Each rescue is a story of liberation, not just for the elephants but for humanity as well. It marks a progression in dismantling the long-standing barriers of unawareness and indifference that have marred our bond with the natural world. Anant Ambani’s experiences with the elephants weave a tale that motivates, provokes thought, and summons us to improve our guardianship of the planet.
I am left with a renewed sense of purpose. Anant Ambani’s words have profoundly transformed my perspective. They have stirred within me a desire to contribute to the cause of animal welfare and environmental conservation. As I switched off the screen, the room was silent, but my mind was alive with possibilities. I was left with a sense of determination and hope, ready to contribute to the cause of animal welfare and environmental conservation in my own way.
(The author is Professor in Comparative Literature & Chairman of the Centre for Narendra Modi Studies (CNMS). Email: [email protected] )
