For quite some time now, actor Dia Mirza has played a role beyond the big screen; as a social activist, she has been actively involved in several campaigns to raise awareness about female foeticide, HIV-AIDS and animal protection.
Recently, Dia, who is also the brand ambassador of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), launched Gaj Yatra on World Elephant Day (August 12).
The initiative, partnered with International Fund for Animal Welfare, aims to talk about shrinking space for India’s wild Asian elephants and importance of securing ‘corridors’ – safe passages of transit – pivotal to the survival of the estimated 30,000 pachyderms in the country.
In the wild, elephants are necessary for the selective clearing of forests, for seed dispersal and providing access to water by digging holes during drought.
“The Gaj Yatra is not merely about security and protecting 101 elephant corridors, but taking our heritage animal, which has a special place in our culture and is worshipped too, to the people,” says Dia. “Besides engaging Government, non-government agencies and corporates, we must involve people and help them fall in love with the animal. I strongly believe that what we love, we will protect.”
Making it feasible
It’s a laudable idea, but considering that over 400 people and 100 elephants are killed annually because of the man-animal conflict, is it feasible?
Dia says, “We will focus on areas where this conflict is high. There are six corridors which are secured — Thirunelli-Kudrakote (Kerala), Edayarhalli-Doddasampige and Kaniyanpura-Moyar (Karnataka), Siju-Rewak and Rewak-Emangre (Meghalaya) and Chilla-Motichur (Uttarakhand). These are living examples of how proper rehabilitation, providing sustainable livelihoods and better growth opportunities to people dependent on the corridor, can make them realise that because of the elephant, their life has improved.”
She cites the example of tiger conservation. “The involvement of locals as protectors has worked wonders. So will it in this case also.”
The path ahead
“It is mammoth effort,” she quips, “but involving multiple groups of people, including the Ministry of Environment and other stake holders, we are confident of achieving the goal.”
Will Dia’s role be confined to just being the face of the campaign? “No,” she replies emphatically.
“I believe in thought to action. I will work closely with all those on board, facilitating the road show, besides bringing in celebrities and personalities from all walks of life, to espouse the cause. I will be binding the campaign for the next 15 months.”
Doesn’t celebrity involvement usually distract public attention from social causes? “I would not say that. The cause is always highlighted by the celebrity,” argues Dia. “For example, polio eradication was possible because of the great work done by the people on the ground but (Amitabh) Bachchan too played a great role. He managed to take the message and convince every Indian because of his star status. His voice made a big difference.”
Gaj Yatra will move through over 25 cities, towns and villages in 12 elephant range States, including Uttarakhand, Odisha, Assam, Karnataka and Kerala among others. It will stage concerts, parades, street plays and activities for children.
“The yatra will identify grassroots champions, forest department personnel and NGOs, working to create awareness and mitigating the man-animal conflict. The aim is to acknowledge and recognise their work,” says Dia.
With so much on her plate, will Dia stay away from acting and producing films? “No, next year I will be seen in Rajkumar Hirani-directed Sunjay Dutt biopic besides which I am currently involved in other digital, TV and cinema projects and also producing three films.”
Tough indeed! “I am able to balance my work and social commitments well,” she replies with a twinkle in her eyes.
