10 Years of Ritinjali – An Evening with Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar
Ritinjali marked its tenth anniversary on 21 st February '05, at Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre. The evening comprised of an informal tête-à-tête with renowned actor and supporter of social causes, Ms. Shabana Azmi along with Mr. Javed Akhtar, noted writer and playwright. The evening was presided over by the renowned television presenter, newsreader and anchor, Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai. The conversation was followed by a fund-raising dinner in support of Tsunami victims.
The discussion ranged from lighthearted banter between the show host, Rajdeep Sardesai, Ms. Shabana Azmi and Mr. Javed Akhtar to discussion on serious issues of concern to civil society. The point of contention was whether the corporate world is conscientious enough to feel for and associate with social causes or whether the former cannot be bothered less and are apathetic towards their responsibility towards social welfare. Mr. Sardesai encouraged the audience to donate generously in aid of Tsunami victims and prove as erroneous, the contention that the corporate world is a selfish and apathetic lot
The discussion gradually became interactive and participatory in nature. Sections of the audience, as representative of the corporate sector, refused to be labeled as ‘selfish' and claimed to have contributed towards relief work in aid of the Tsunami affected, in an important manner. The potential of the corporate sector as also other affluent sections of the society (usually labeled as ‘Page three People”) to give back to society and contribute towards improving the conditions of the marginalized sections of society was eventually agreed upon.
Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai lauded the work done by NGOs like Ritinjali in aid of Tsunami victims and invited a group of young adults who have had the opportunity of being a part of the relief and rehabilitation work in Tsunami affected areas, to share their experiences with the audience. These children stated that they had spent around two weeks in the Tsunami affected areas and had helped with the relief and rehabilitation work. They claimed to have found the experience very uplifting and shared their desire to be able to go back, if possible.
Ms Azmi and Mr. Akhtar lauded this desire of the youngsters. They wished for our future generations to grow up as sensitive and responsible citizens who can contribute towards building of a strong, democratic and conscientious India .
Ritinjali extended a vote of thanks to the chief guests of the evening and presented gifts to them as tokens of appreciation.
The evening culminated with the guests being served cocktails and dinner and pledge-cards being distributed to the audience to enable them to pledge and make donations in aid of Tsunami victims.
The evening ended on a positive note with the audience making voluntary contributions, through their pledge-cards, in aid of Tsunami victims.
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