Originally posted by Sugar_21
@ Monu Tan: your argument implies that every talented, successful person should be revered, but unfortunately this isn't done. Why aren't social workers like Anna Hazare and many many others whose names aren't even known amongst the youth but have struggled truly for the betterment of the society revered so much? why? Actors are great, some of them donate a portion of the fat income they earn towards charity, but what about social workers who devote their entire life for the society. Why aren't they revered and as well known as actors then? you seem to know a lot that's why I ask.
Pray tell me where do I mention that every successful person should be revered? Infact i make comparisons in my post between Amitabh and many others to tell why he stands out from the rest. Also to be revered one doesnt need to be a movie star, even Sachin is revered in India and he is a successful sportsperson with no links to movies.
Ratan Tata is hugely respected all across india and he is no movie star too.
Why are social activists not revered? This is a very interesting point and i would tell you only my point of view which may or may not b agreeable. Do tell me yours as well.
During independence era, indians revered Gandhi.People were simple then and they wanted someone to stand for their freedom fight. Gandhi achieved something which couldnt be done by ordinary men, also he was well known, respected everywhere. If you think of indian independance you cant imagine it without Gandhi.
Amitabh spent more than 50 years in bollywood, had earned various accolades. Everybody retired but he didnt and is still going strong. Can we imagine the bolly without Amitabh? No we cant, he had a huge contribution to indian cinema. Also he is very well known too.
Same goes for Sachin. I cant imagine what would Sachin do without cricket and cricket do without Sachin.
Ratan Tata belongs to a very prestigious business family. In India, from common Salt to trucks, housing and now cars, Tata is everywhere. Tata has touched every common man's life. Not every businessman can do that. While he was busy taking over luxury car segment in Europe he also planned cheap cars and cheap housing for common indian people. His business is widespread but he isnt the richest man in India.
If you see the common attributes between all these people is that they make a positive impact all across indian populace and they have done something that ordinary mortals cannot. They are also best in their resp fields and are widely known.
Sad part with social activists is that we hardly know much about them. They make impact in their respective region of work and i am sure they get respect for that. But beyond that they have no face. Another problem with social activists is that there are many pretentious wannabes among them, so the real ones get ignored.
Anna Hazare is a very respectable social activist, he had an influence which coerced many indian youths in his jail bharo andolan 1-2 yrs ago. Had he been consistent in his approach and a bit more shrewd than the corrupt govt of india, he would have won more patronage among indian ppl. But sadly he is now as clueless as we are for the future, so somewhere he fails as a leader.