New Delhi: Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, often described as a wonder of India, has posted his experiences and thoughts about the 7 wonders campaign on his blog, Big B on Big Adda.
The nationwide campaign by NDTV, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, brought millions of Indians together to vote for their favourite wonder and acknowledge the natural and man-made marvels of the country.
The awards were announced at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi. The entire Bachchan family was present to cheer Aishwarya Rai as she performed with the dance troupe of choreographer Shaimak Davar.
Describing the evening on his blog, superstar Amitabh Bachchan said "The evening was pleasant and cultural and nostalgic. Full of pride for this wondrous land. The diverse cultures, the artistry, the designs, architecture, music, ethos - all put together in a wonderful basket of such beauteous variety. Telling moment of the evening - the words of Prannoy. Do we have to go out of our country to realize how wondrous our own country is ?"
Speaking on the occasion, NDTV chairman Prannoy Roy had said: "One has to travel abroad to realise how beautiful India is. It is sad that this was the genesis of starting this campaign. Our country has 5,000 years of culture. We have to take care of our monuments that are in neglect. Respecting our heritage will go a long way in preserving them for the future generation."
Praising the very genesis of this campaign as a valid observation of the sad neglect of our heritage, Bachchan wrote, "When we go out we realize how much other countries project, protect and take pride in what they have. We as India, have so much more, but are never aware of it nor do we make the effort of their preservation or the need to project them the way others do. 5000 years of history and culture live and breathe in this land of ours. At every corner, at every turn. We need to project them and build the pride we so richly deserve."
Elucidating upon the interactive and innovative selection process for the 7 Wonders of India, Bachchan through his blog said, "The people of India through this campaign by the channel, had voted for the wonders that existed in their regions. And after a massive drive and with great difficulty, zeroed in on 222 sites which qualified for, or were deserving to be called an architectural wonder. Each state, each region, each countrymen that took part brought out results that for many were unknown to most. But what an endeavor and what an exercise, to finally bring the figure to seven."
The event was also marked by a fashion show by ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee where he exhibited contemporary outfits using textiles and weaves from various Indian states.
Making an observation over the presentation, Bachchan wrote, "The elegant statuesque models displaying garments designed by that renowned designer, SabyaSachi from Kolkata, took our breath away as they sashayed across the vast ramp accompanied by the drum music of the region. The drum. Not the musical instruments that each region has developed into world reckoning, but just the drums. So fascinating and up lifting in spirits !!
And finally, a perfect sign off on the blog; "Next year - the natural wonders of the country !! A novel and noble idea."