18

Jul

“Ambani’s Lavish Wedding An  Insult to India’s Poor and   Struggling Masses”

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Sajida Zubair

 

New Delhi | Thursday | 18 July 2024

Anant Ambani’s wedding has recently been the talk of the town, not just for the glitz and glamour, but also for the staggering amount of money spent on the celebrations. In a country grappling with economic challenges, the opulent expenditure on such an event raises critical questions about the widening economic disparity and the priorities of the affluent class.

The Ambani family, known for their immense wealth and influence, left no stone unturned to make Anant Ambani’s wedding an affair to remember. Reports suggest that the total expenditure on the wedding could be in the vicinity of ₹700 cr. (approximately $94 million). This includes a lavish venue, high-profile guest lists, luxury accommodations, designer outfits, and world-class entertainment.

Contrasting sharply with this extravagance is the current state of India’s economy. As of the latest reports, India’s GDP growth rate has plunged to a concerning 4.2%, a significant drop from previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic, global economic uncertainties and domestic challenges have all contributed to this decline. India’s unemployment rate has surged to 7.8% as of the latest data, translating to millions of people struggling to find stable employment. Consumer price inflation has been hovering around 6%, making everyday essentials more expensive for the average citizen. According to a report by the World Bank, the poverty rate in India stands at approximately 22%, with millions living below the poverty line. Additionally, there has been a significant slowdown in industrial production, with sectors like manufacturing and construction showing negative growth rates.

 

Article at a Glance
The recent wedding of Anant Ambani, son of business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, has sparked controversy due to its extravagant expenditure of approximately ₹700 crore (around $94 million).
The lavish celebration has raised questions about the widening economic disparity in India, where millions of people struggle to make ends meet. The country is currently grappling with economic challenges, including a low GDP growth rate, high unemployment, and rising inflation.
The stark contrast between the wealth of the Ambani family and the average Indian citizen has sparked debate about the social responsibility of the affluent class. Critics argue that the money spent on the wedding could have been better utilized for social causes, infrastructure development, or economic relief measures.
While some defend the Ambani family's right to celebrate as they see fit, others believe that such opulence during tough economic times is insensitive and immoral. The event has also sparked discussions about the importance of simplicity and elegance in weddings, and the need for the wealthy to prioritize social justice and charity.
From an Islamic perspective, the extravagant expenditure raises ethical and moral concerns, as Islam emphasizes the importance of social justice, charity, and the equitable distribution of wealth. The article concludes that an ideal wedding should be a celebration rooted in love, family, and community, rather than a display of opulence, and that simplicity and elegance can often make a wedding more beautiful and heartfelt.

 

The contrast between the wealth of the Ambani family and the average Indian citizen is glaring. While the top 1% of the population holds a substantial portion of the country’s wealth, the lower and middle classes grapple with financial instability and uncertainty. This disparity is not just a matter of numbers but a reflection of deep-seated systemic issues that need addressing.

Syed Tanveer Ahmed, the secretary of the Markazi Taleemi Board, remarked, “The inappropriate display of wealth in a country where over 33% of the population lives below the poverty line is fundamentally immoral, particularly when such extravagance is broadcast through media and social media. It is imperative to evaluate and compare the expenditures on the wedding with their contributions to charitable and philanthropic causes. Ideally, the Ambanis could have established a perpetual fund to assist those needing financial support for their marriages. While we advocate for social justice and equality, such acts of opulence do not advance societal welfare. Although it is impractical to legislate against extravagance, we must cultivate a sense of responsibility towards society. Islam encourages earning but prohibits the wasteful use of resources. If the Ambanis sought to set a world record, they could have done so in a socially responsible manner.”

In times of economic distress, the actions of the wealthy are often under scrutiny. The expenditure on Anant Ambani’s wedding raises questions about the social responsibility of the affluent class. Could this money have been better spent on social causes, infrastructure development, or economic relief measures? Such questions are not just rhetorical but demand a rethinking of priorities.

Public reactions to the wedding have been mixed. While some admire the Ambani family’s ability to host such a grand event, others criticize the insensitivity of such opulence during tough economic times. Social media platforms have been abuzz with debates, reflecting the broader societal divide.

Dr Almas Shamim, a Public Health Professional who is currently working as a Senior Consultant at an MNC has a different perspective of looking at this entire event. Dr Almas says “Frankly, I don’t think we can or should have a law to limit how much can be spent on weddings or any event. This wedding should be seen for what it is—a PR event for a brand. People watch it for the glamour, like a movie or award show. The Ambanis are devaluing the institution of marriage and the sacredness of the ceremony. The inconvenience to the public regarding traffic is an issue, but it’s no different from any other large event like an award show or a mega concert. India likely has regulations around traffic at public events, and the key is to implement them rigorously and equally for all.

She adds, “The Ambanis have transformed their son’s wedding into a star-studded event, so we should view it as such, similar to a Filmfare awards show or a mega concert. Middle-class people won’t try to emulate this wedding; it’s only the wealthy that will compete with them. People will copy their fashion, and it will appear in places like Chandni Chowk within a month.”

Anant Ambani’s wedding, while a private celebration, has inadvertently become a public issue, highlighting the stark contrast between the rich and the rest of the population in India. As the country navigates through economic challenges, the extravagant expenditure on such events serves as a reminder of the urgent need for economic reforms and a more equitable distribution of wealth. It is a call for the wealthy to consider their social responsibilities and the impact of their actions on the broader society. While personal celebrations are a right, the context of the times should temper extravagance with empathy and social responsibility.

Prof Pradeep Mathur, media guru and veteran journalist, said, “It’s an insulting event for our country, showcasing such extravagance. It’s very shameful. While wealthy people have always existed in India, turning a wedding into a PR event is unprecedented. I am saddened to see prominent political leaders, including our prime minister, endorsing it. We cannot make laws or regulations to stop such displays of wealth; it’s about moral consciousness. There needs to be a social movement to curb this mentality.”

In ancient India, traditional Hindu weddings were simple yet deeply meaningful events. The ceremonies were often held in the bride’s home or a local temple, adorned with handmade decorations and natural elements like flowers and leaves. The focus was on sacred rites, such as the Saptapadi (seven steps) and the exchange of garlands, which symbolized the couple’s commitment to each other. Family and friends played a central role, contributing to the preparations and celebrating with heartfelt songs, dances, and blessings. These weddings emphasized the spiritual union of two souls and the coming together of two families, rather than material extravagance.

From an Islamic perspective, such extravagant expenditure in the face of widespread economic hardship raises serious ethical and moral concerns. Islam emphasizes the importance of social justice, charity, and the equitable distribution of wealth. The Qur’an and Hadiths consistently advocate for the wealthy to support the less fortunate and to avoid wasteful and ostentatious displays of wealth.

An ideal wedding should be a celebration rooted in love, family, and community, rather than a display of opulence. It should reflect the values and personalities of the couple, focusing on meaningful traditions and personal touches that create lasting memories. Simplicity and elegance can often make a wedding more beautiful and heartfelt. Prioritizing sustainability and local resources, such as using seasonal flowers and local cuisine, can add charm while being environmentally conscious. Most importantly, an ideal wedding should emphasize the union of two people and their families, fostering an atmosphere of joy and togetherness without the pressure of extravagance or societal expectations.

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