NDTV and Aircel observe ‘World Tiger Day’

by  Dharm Patel Marketing | August 12, 2015 | News

NDTV Aircel

In 2006, the tiger population was reported at 1411. In 2010 the count went up to 1706 and in 2014 it went up to 2226, truly making it a feat worth celebrating. To celebrate this increase in tiger population, the fourth edition of NDTV-Aircel ‘Save Our Tigers’ campaign organised a special event on the occasion of World Tiger Day.

The event, held at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, acknowledged the success of the campaign as well as felicitated people who have done exemplary work on the ground for India’s wildlife. Minister of State of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar supported the cause along with Bollywood actress Dia Mirza and singer Kailash Kher.

A panel discussion hosted by Vikram Chandra and Swati Thiyagarajan (Environment Editor , NDTV) was organized with eminent wildlife and tiger experts. The panellists included Bittu Sahgal (Founding Editor, Sanctuary Asia), Anish Andheria (President, Wildlife Conservation Trust), Vivek Menon (CEO, Wildlife Trust of India), Bishan Singh Bonal (Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority) and two others from Wildlife Institute of India. Photos by renowned wildlife photographers were on display to showcase various facets of the big cat.

Speaking on World Tiger Day, Vikram Chandra, Group CEO of NDTV said: “India is home to 70% of the world’s tigers today. We have had a 30% increase in the number of tigers in the last five years. Our ground forces in the various tiger reserves around the country, tiger biologists and conservationists stay committed to spreading awareness.  The tremendous support that our campaign has received from children has strengthened our resolve to protect the tiger for our future generations.”

Talking about the initiative, Brinda Malhotra, Head - Corporate Social Responsibility, Aircel, said: “Tiger conservation is at the core of Aircel’s CSR program and we have been relentlessly working for the cause with multiple on-ground initiatives to ensure the safety of tigers. Undoubtedly, awareness about the cause is as important as the ground work, and it brings us great pride that ‘Save Our Tigers’ has left a lasting impression on many Indians, while ‘Kids For Tigers’ inspires tomorrow’s generation to care for its environment.”