1411 - A number to reckon with.

This blog was previously a page. I decided to convert it into a post to save space.

1411 – A number to reckon with. Aircel, the mobile phone service provider in India, has through both print and media advertisements woken up the common man to the fact of dwindling tiger population – a mere 1411 in India as of the 2007 census; which is a mere estimate.

The tiger which enjoys the status as the world’s favourite animal, according to a poll by the Animal Planet, doesn’t enjoy a good number, member wise. India has about two-thirds of the world’s wild tigers, and it is up to us to do our bit and maintain it that way.

 With a majority in the state of Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and worst number in Bihar, India’s environmentalists and wildlife aficionados must bargain for more stringent conservation, hunting and poaching laws.

 Panthera tigris or tiger as its popularly known, is the national animal of India and is one of the most adaptable animals – from the snow-clad Siberia to the tropical marshlands of Sunderbans. They find themselves on flags (Azad Hind – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s organisation), coat of arms (LTTE) and as mascots (our very own Sheroo). Somehow their popularity in culture, religion hasn’t trancended in numbers.

Initially, there were six species of tigers, but with growing poaching and hunting for its not – proved – by- science-medicinal- value, it has come to a sorry four.

Tigers have a very important role to play in Indian culture as well as literature – Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book which immortalised Shere Khan – Mowgli’s mortal enemy and the constant antagonist. During the time that TRP’s were alien to people, Doordarshan, every Sunday aired an animated feature of the Jungle Book, featuring the very peppy classic, “Chaddi pehen ke phul khila hai” which ended with Shere Khan’s roar and defeat in every part of this animated feature.

Aircel’s intiative to save the tigers, endorsed by sports persons and film actors alike has given a new life to the now out of favour Project Tiger – an initiative started by former Prime Minister of India, Late Indira Gandhi in 1972. Project Tiger, as of 2008, has set up 40 Tiger Reserves, and has pledged for more monetary support to continue its endeavour. But, it lacks the publicity it deserves for the work it does and Aircel’s project aims has made people, both young, old aware of the actuality of the scenario of our tigers.

But, the cynics argue, the common man is powerless. What can he do to save our tigers? One could write, blog, be sentient beings of the facts and figures concerning our dear Sher Khans, voice our beliefs and views at the right platforms.

For the ones who want to help more, one could donate to the World Wildlife Fund of India and various other organisations, including the one supported by Aircel.

“When the buying stops, the killing will.”