Medinat Jumeirah, Dubai December 9/10, 2009 Wed/Thu 6 : 30 AM
Ok… it is late and I know that this does warrant a wrap on the knuckles, but I must not let up on my FmXt irrespective of the circumstances. Circumstances that have kept me busy the entire day in this wonderful city of Dubai with its generous hospitality, charm and grace.
The on board blog was, well on board ! On the ground, events unfolded extremely rapidly.
On the ground took a while to appear. A severe sand storm kept visibility so poor that Jet Airways had to circle for quite a while in and around the Emirates before it could attempt a rather shaky landing against strong winds. Once down, Dubai protocol took over and old friends with warm smiling faces whisked me away in limousines waiting by the aircraft to the special VIP area, for customs and immigration and then off to the Hotel.
Dubai is a miracle. Every time you come in the landscape has changed. Newer and better development has taken place and old landmarks get covered and insignificant, by fresh magnificent structures defying all norms and principals of architecture. The sense of expanse, volume and bigness. Of grandeur and style, of excess, of a dream beyond imagination, keeps appearing before you minute after stunning minute leaving your mouth open in wonderment and your heart pulsating with the joy of expectation.
The media was waiting within the premises and the entire day was spent with them in a section of the Hotel, a section of this large Hotel, where moving from one room to the other or one facility to the other required for one, to catch a boat along the labyrinth of canals that flowed through the property in clear pristine condition.
The entire day and most of the evening went by and not a moment was spent without appreciation for PAA and Auro - one of the media actually greeting me with the Auro monkey dance !
A gentle jet lag later and a delicious dinner from chef India put me to rest on some of the softest pillows ; some specially designed as a selection before you, tempting and provoking one to choose which one you wished to cuddle under your head. I must admit I did not miss my little thin soft fellow miles away in Prateeksha !
The morning of the day of 9th began in some auspicious flare - a visit to the Dubai Autism Centre. I had visited this facility a few years ago when we were here for IIFA and appreciated the marvelous work being conducted by those in charge, towards children that had been afflicted with autism. The dedication with which these physically challenged children are looked after is a god send. Yes the condition that these little ones find themselves in is most unfortunate and sad and not easy to witness and bear, but the zeal of the staff and conductors that run this most noble Institute is beyond appreciation. To continuously deal with this extreme condition with patience and calm, teaching conducting and providing hope for the affected is nothing short of being super human. They are the angels that the afflicted cling to, in support and in assurance for a comfortable and stable existence. And what a huge responsibility rests on the very brave and committed shoulders of those that run and work here for the betterment of these children. The highest accolades would never be enough for them in praise.
The Dubai Autism Center, a non profit organization prepares parents and professionals through advice and practical training, how to conduct themselves with children who need special care. Most of us, ignorant of facts, could actually find ourselves alarmed in the presence of affected children. But through proper care and training the Center educates and includes elders in the delicate treatment of the autism affected. They need understanding and a sense of being one with the community, of not making them feel that they are different, that they too are one of us. And for this, we all need to accept them in our social and everyday acts, to mingle as one and to feel and to make them feel that they are normal as normal individuals.
One of the great qualities of ‘PAA’ apart from many, has been this aspect. And it is one that has been noticed by the viewer of the film without any prompting - the ease and comfort with which Auro is accepted within his environment as not different, but just another of them, living existing and leading a life as any other of his classmates or friends. There is a brave and intelligent Auro, that deals with his condition almost unaware of its circumstances. Of not seeking any kind of special attention or sympathy or unnecessary emotion. He is just Auro, another one of us. And that is what is required from all of us that confront a challenged child. They must never be pitied upon, or made to feel lesser. They are as much in life as we are. Normal.
Autism rises amongst us at an alarming rate. One in every 2500 children in the year 1950, to one in every 91 children in the year 2009 !! And medical science still struggles with finding the reason and cure for it. And till they do we must make ourselves aware of the symptoms and how delicately we need to deal with such cases. Love affection and gentle care of the situation and the inner strength to find a comfortable path for those who have been unfortunately affected by this condition, is and will be a most rewarded deed.
I have left the premise with a heavy heart. There are some very brave people that work tirelessly in making the world a better place to live in and they deserve all the plaudits that can be accumulated in their praise. May Allah bless them !!
Its Jumeirah again and a host of interviews and media, formal meets with authorities of the Festival and catching up with the constant reports flowing in from all quarters on ‘Paa’ and its wonders.
The evening of the Award looms and elegance and formality, decorum and royalty make their presence felt at the large theatre center within this canal connected old Arab world charmed hospitality. The proceedings are lined with finesse and order - systematic, efficient and aesthetic. The presentation is made by one of the younger Royals. It is at the very beginning of the evening. It is short and without fuss. No speeches, no wastage of time. Honor and dignity maintained softly and silently with relevant applause and an invitation to depart with the Royalty if we wish soon after. The film of the evening ‘Nine’ was to follow in projection soon after, but they did not insist that I stay for that or for the celebrations on the beach for dinner and fire works.
I have come away impressed and humbled. Cinema as a great binder, a medium that brings communities together, people from different faiths and beliefs and societies together, has once again prevailed. My recognition is but a recognition of cinema in my country. It is not the individual behind it that matters, it is the medium that made me that individual, it is the country that gave birth to the individual. This honor is an honor for the Film Industry of India. It is an honor for India. The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dubai International Film Festival 2009 is dedicated to my country and my fraternity.
With love and emotion …
Amitabh Bachchan
Posted on: December 10, 2009 - 9:40 pm
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