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'Wedding of the century': What does Mukesh Ambani want to prove by such extravaganza?

By NS Venkataraman* 
Mukesh  Ambani,   a renowned Indian industrialist who is said to be the richest person in India and  one of the richest persons in the world,   has just now conducted the wedding celebration of  his son in Mumbai,   with unheard level of lavishness in India.
It appears that a few million dollars of money must have been spent  in conducting this wedding,    which was attended by past Prime Ministers and Presidents from different countries,  CEOs of several multinational organisations,  popular film  stars and sports persons and of course,   lawyers,  politicians  and journalists.
It is further said that Mukesh Amabani  sent separate aircrafts to different destinations  to bring these so-called VIPs  (very important persons),  lodged them in leading hotels in lavish style.  The event was widely publicized in  print and visual media in India   and  a few other countries. Several media called this wedding as the wedding of the century,  whatever it may mean.
There is no doubt that Mukesh Ambani has earned several millions of dollars of income by hard work,  sustained and intelligent investment and promoted large scale projects in multiple fields  with dynamic management practices.  All credit can be given to him for such achievements.
But,  is there not a sign of vulgarity and exhibition of  enormous ego in conducting such lavish  wedding  celebrations?  What does Mukesh Ambani want to prove by such extravaganza?   In throwing away money by conducting such luxurious wedding celebration,  is he not aware that many people may  suspect  his mental state and thought process,   which does not certainly reflect any level of thinking at a higher level?
India is a country with 1,400 million people,  of which 15% of the population still live below poverty line and around 40% of the population are just  above the border line of poverty level.   Has  Mukesh Ambani  thought about these people in his “hour of glory”?  By wasting his wealth in such luxurious wedding function,   he has lost the opportunity to use this money for helping the cause of the poor and downtrodden, who  constitute lakhs of people in India. 
In throwing away money by conducting luxurious wedding celebration,  isn't he aware, many people may  suspect his mental state?
By spending for the benefit of poor people,   while celebrating the marriage in simple style, instead of throwing money in wasteful wedding exercise,   Mukesh Ambani and the young couple would have received the blessings of millions of people,  which will stand him and his family in good stead in future. Such blessing are   far more significant and important than the praise and admiration that Mukesh Ambani  received from his rich guests.
Just like days follow night,   the wedding celebration of three days  would also go away,   leaving only bitter thoughts  and frustration in the mind of the poor  people in India,   who would inevitably ponder about the state of their life with the life style of the rich and affluent people. Such   unacceptable exhibition of wealth  would only create a sense of   anger towards  rich people   amongst those who have to fight for square meal a day.
It is inevitable that in the mind of deprived of people and discerning observers,  there would be development of feelings of contempt for Mukesh Ambani’s style and for the similar style of other rich people too.
Human life is essentially a time passing exercise  and  people with noble thoughts would not believe in   such ego centric actions. 
Money is noble when spent for good cause. Money becomes evil and even vulgar when thrown away for ego centric actions. 
This above conclusion is not only applicable to Mukesh  Ambani but to several other ego centric wealthy persons and families   and politicians who could be gathering  curses rather than blessings by celebrating  lavish marriages which become an eyesore for the discerning people and those facing poverty conditions.
---
*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai

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