India, May 20 -- A 65-minute documentary on Sri Vivek Tankha opened a new world to the audience that watched it. This film on a Rajya Sabha member and a senior advocate in the Supreme Court was screened at his residence for Delhi Media on May 16. Many people and stalwarts from the media world, who knew Vivek ji, realised what has gone behind making the man that he is. Hardship, financial stress, father's passing away and many such challenges were overcome with single determination of reaching the Supreme Court from a small town in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. But after the accomplishment, he did not bask in the glory of success, but chose the path of philanthropy to give back to the society that arguably gave him so much.
My association with Vivek Bhai began during his tenure as Advocate General of Madhya Pradesh in Bhopal. His father-in-law, Colonel Ajay Mushran, was then the finance minister in Sri Digvijay Singh's government and through various interactions, both the families got to know each other closely and coincidentally, we moved to Delhi around the same time. I am mentioning all this to emphasise that the man I knew hasn't changed a bit through his meteoric rise in the legal profession and in political space. He remained as simple, approachable and humble as he was when I met him 25 years ago. So, when I watched the biopic, laced liberally with voices from his family members, friends, colleagues, I knew that each word was true of him. The endorsements from all those who spoke highlight that he didn't let his success overshadow what he thinks his calling had been - 'To Serve People Around You'. And to do that, draw as much power from the profession and politics and achieve those goals.
His medical camps in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh are legendary for his work for the environment. His financial support for the needy is instant, so is his push for education for the needy children. His 'pick up the phone and call someone to help someone' is incredible, as one would remember his efforts to get oxygen cylinders during the Corona outbreak. All these in an age, when we see lawyers and politicians are self-centred and selfish, all the time. His unrelenting effort in bringing Corporate Social Responsibility as an act is worthy of mention. The biopic aptly portrays the man who has travelled long and wide but never forgot to carry the people around him, caring and serving them relentlessly through his journey in becoming the legend that he is today. 'The Making of Vivek Tankha', the documentary, is inspiring, thought-provoking and worth emulating for all those who are touched by him in their own lives. It is an inspiring, thought-provoking praise for a leader who has maintained his humanity and compassion through every triumph and trial.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.