One of the world's most
devastating extinctions has been halted - thanks to Mike
Pandey, one of India's most accomplished wildlife
filmmakers, and his films "Broken Wings" and "Vanishing
Vultures".
The Indian sub-continent did have the highest density of
vultures in the world - 85 million in total. However,
over the past few years 99% have disappeared - mostly
due to the use of the veterinary drug Diclofenac. The
loss of such an important scavenger has had devastating
effects - putrefying decomposing carcasses are thought
to be the cause of anthrax and rabies outbreaks. The
extinction of this species would have global health
consequences.
The film was premiered at the
British Council in March, and has since been broadcast
in 15 different languages on the national network -
along with special screenings for the Prime Minister and
other key politicians. There has been an immediate
reaction from the public and national press. The films
also appeal to farmers - many, previously unaware of the
problem, have now switched to a safer alternative to the
drug.
Manufacture and sale of
the drug Diclofenac has been banned with immediate
effect nationwide - to give the remaining 1% of vultures
a fighting chance of survival.
Kiran Choudhry, Minister of State (Independent Charge)
for Forests, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Government of
Haryana, Chandigarh stated:
"Broken Wings & Vanishing Vultures was a brilliant tool
for advocacy and this success proves once again how
powerful films can be. It was central to the advocacy
efforts as it spoke from the heart and touched all those
who saw it."
On Mike...
Mike H Pandey,
twice winner of the Green Oscar for his films on environment,
would perhaps balk at the title of a 'crusader', but his silent
camera has done more for conservation than thousand words”
- Ranjita Biswas, Trans World Features, TWFIndia.com
“Pandey is a
one-camera army fighting to preserve India’s wild-life heritage”
- Namita Bhandare, Man’s World, April 2003
"It is a great
pleasure for the United Nations to be associated in this
Herculean effort to conserve wildlife and the contribution of
India has been a groundbreaking example for others to follow"
- Mr. Timothy Higham, United Nations representative, on presenting
the Prithvi Ratan award for outstanding achievement in
conservation to Mike Pandey at the Vatavaran 2003 film festival.
On Shores of Silence...
"It isn't often that a single documentary
leads to specific and positive action by a government. But that
is precisely what Indian film-maker Mike Pandey accomplished
with his Shores of silence: Whale Sharks in India"
- Daryl D'Monte, TVE Asia Pacific
No film in the last 65 years from
all over the world has been so effective in bringing about a
change and played such an important role in conservation as this
film from India, and in such a short time.“
- Pam Beddard, British film critic
"It is a matter of
honour and National pride that an Indian film has been so
effective globally, and the United Nations has honoured it with
the highest award. Now is the time for conservation of the
Earth's resources and well made films like these can
successfully spread the message across the world and touch the
hearts and minds of people"
- Alka Tomar, Festival Director, Vatavaran
