Anant Ambani’s wedding was an important social and cultural event, but foreign media did not miss the chance to criticize India.
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of one of India’s biggest industrialists, Mukesh Ambani, recently married Radhika Merchant. This wedding highlighted various aspects of Indian society, including tradition, modernity, and global prestige. The event became a topic of discussion not only for the family but also for people in India and abroad.
Grand Preparations
The wedding preparations began months in advance. The first major event was held in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and lasted three days. Many prominent people attended, including Ivanka Trump, the daughter of former US President Donald Trump, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Gautam Adani, Adar Poonawalla, Anand Mahindra, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rihanna.
The second big event took place in Italy, with high-profile guests participating. Finally, in July, a grand wedding ceremony was held in Mumbai, where Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant got married. Even political rivals who once criticized the Ambani family attended the ceremony, showing the family’s widespread acceptance and prestige.
Negative Perspective of Colonial Media
The grand event was discussed not only in India but also in international media. Foreign media tried to tarnish India’s image through this wedding. BBC quoted Shobhaa De, saying, “Our billionaires are the new Indian Maharajas.” The report repeatedly mentioned that the grand event caused trouble for the common people of Mumbai. Reuters also reported that traffic was restricted in a main area of Mumbai for four days due to the wedding, causing public anger.
The Washington Post linked the dissatisfaction caused by waterlogging in Mumbai to Ambani’s wedding. They quoted a middle-class mechanic, Naushad Ahmed, who wondered how the city managed resources for Ambani but failed to work on basic infrastructure.
Blend of Indian Traditions and Modernity
In Indian society, weddings hold special significance. They are not just the union of two individuals but also of two families, cultures, and traditions. The Ambani wedding paid special attention to Indian traditions. Various rituals and religious ceremonies showed that despite modernity, Indian traditions still hold importance.
Question of Social and Economic Inequality
Colonial media used Ambani’s wedding to highlight India’s poverty and economic inequality. Al Jazeera created a video claiming that the gap between the rich and the poor is increasing under Prime Minister Modi’s rule, and said it is wider than during British colonial rule.
There is no doubt that economic inequality is a serious issue in India. But using the Ambani family’s private event to symbolize the entire country’s problems is wrong. Every society has such events, and they hold personal significance.
Impact of Colonial Mentality
Colonial media has always portrayed India as a poor and backward country. When Prince Charles was crowned in Britain, the media was silent about the ongoing protests there. In 2023, thousands of crores were spent on King Charles’ coronation, but the media did not make any negative comments.
Conclusion
Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani’s wedding was an important social and cultural event that showcased a unique blend of Indian traditions and modernity. However, colonial media used this event to highlight India’s poverty and economic inequality, showing a biased viewpoint.
This event should be seen as a private ceremony that beautifully combined Indian traditions and modernity. Such events have always been significant in Indian society and should be viewed in that context. Colonial mentality-driven media needs to look at India positively to present a true picture of Indian society and culture.
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