Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan on Thursday said he is prepared to work with former California Governor and environment crusader Arnold Schwarzenegger in creating public awareness about steps that need to be taken to protect our environment on an international platform.
Speaking to the media after receiving the Green Globe Foundation Award for outstanding contribution by a celebrity for his active role in creating widespread awareness on the issues affecting the earth, the elegantly dressed actor said his role model in the field of environment was undoubtedly The Energy and Resources Institute Director-General R. K. Pachauri whose dissemination about basic things that individuals can do to reduce carbon footprints helped him to become a responsible citizen.“Whether you switch off the power or use less air-conditioner at home or office, you can certainly make a change. Celebrities the world over are working in this direction and even if two individuals get the right message then all this work is worth the effort. As actors we can lead by example. In the film industry we have extended support to the Earth Hour.”
The actor said he was keen to work in a film that creates awareness about preserving the environment for the future generation. “But we need to have a compelling story. If we make a film that is boring, then we would not get the audience.” Earlier speaking at the award function, Abhishek described Dr. Pachauri as a beacon of light for all those who are keen to do their part in saving the earth.
“When I was a young student, I was taught not to enjoy myself at the cost of Mother Earth. On my part, I try to do little things like sleeping without an air-conditioner at night. It is nice and cool in Mumbai these days. But I think it is due to the climate change. We can do small things every day that can make a big difference. Switching off your television from the mains can save energy. They say it is only a drop in the ocean, but we forget that it is those drops that make up the ocean.”
The awardees included journalist Joydeep Gupta for outstanding contribution by a media person, Indian Forest Service Chief Conservation of Forests Alok Kumar Upadhyay on behalf of Government of Madhya Pradesh and Centre for Research on Environmental Development bagged the award for work by a NGO.
A green globe was given to Salwan Public School, Gurgaon, for extraordinary contribution by an educational institution.
