NDTV-Aircel Save our Tigers Campaign

Once there was a tiger, the classic opening of our bedtime stories, threatening to become the sign off. In a country, rated among the most bio-diverse terrains in the world, with over 12% land covered with forests, we have only 1,400 tigers left.

Just as this shocking census report came in, in 2008, NDTV set out on a mission: To Save Our Tigers - the largest and the most comprehensive media campaign on tiger conservation till date. We presented the Prime Minister with a petition, signed by thousands across the country. Then we went from state to state, chief minister to chief minister, who offered us time-bound and promises of action.

Today we can proudly say, we have set the tiger agenda for the nation.

Our 12 Hour Live Telethon is dedicated to raising funds for the tiger. You too can help make a difference.

NDTV Chairman Dr. Prannoy Roy and Save Our Tiger campaign brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan arrive at the Pench Tiger Reserve for the 12-hour Telethon.

NDTV-Aircel ‘Save Our Tigers' campaign ambassador Amitabh Bachchan raises his voice in concern for the endangered tiger.

A big crowd of local people gather to watch the live event at Pench Tiger Reserve on the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border.

The brand ambassador of NDTV-Aircel 'Save Our Tigers' Campaign, Amitabh Bachchan, answers questions during a live chat with ndtv.com surfers.

NDTV and Sanctury Asia, an environmental magazine, have joined hands with Aircel in its efforts to Save Our Tigers.

NDTV salutes the efforts by forest guards and rangers,who put their lives in danger to protect the Big cat.

Dr Prannoy Roy, chairman NDTV beseeches the supporters to help improve the conditions for the endangered species and hopes to increase the number from 1400 to 2800, to 5000 and 10000. A dream to come true!

A special show anchored by Vikram Chandra does its bit by non-stop programming for a day dedicated to tigers.

The tiger campaign provides a platform to tiger conservationists for issues to be raised and concerns to be addressed.

Big B is also showing his solidarity for the campaign through his blog.

With his significant power over his million fans in the country the superstar aims at creating public outcry and help raising funds to protect our tigers from extinction.

The show telecasts real stories and documentaries on the threats and issues concerning the survival of tigers in India.

Prominent wild life photographer Belinda Wright joins NDTV's 12-hour Telethon and spread the word about tiger conservation.

Actor Malaika Arora Khan shares her thoughts on tiger conservation and what needs to be done to check the dwindling numbers of the wild cat.

The event also saw scintillating performances by the broadway group Zangoora and Yana Gupta.

The campaign spreads awareness about protecting the tiger, our national animal. It is also raising funds for tiger protection.

Into The Wild: The campaigners are out with a mission.

With only 3,200 tigers left in the world, the stars are coming forward with their tremendous support. Abhishek and Aishwarya donate Rs 14 Lakh, as Amitabh auctions away his belongings.

For Amitabh the tiger cause is more important than his films, as he auctions away his favourite designer sunglasses for Rs 25000 base price.

Bittu Sahgal, Editor, Sanctuary Magazine claims that without the tiger India wouldn't just lose its spirit but also its hope of survival in a era of climate change.

Bittu and Amitabh share their views on the tiger crisis and the ecosystem challenges of the 21st century.

Two major powers coming together to save the majestic Tiger, the National Animal.

Dr Prannoy Roy and Vikram Chandra talk to Amitabh Bachchan at Pench National Park on the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh border.

Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has also pledged his support for the cause.

Suhel Seth, AD filmmaker points out the futility of using Shera, a tiger, as the Common Wealth Games mascot when the species is in such mortal danger.

Bollywood actress and former beauty queen Diya Mirza showed her sporting spirit by participating in a small fun game called Spot the Tigers. While, the game was just a platform, her real intention, she said, was to be a part of the cause.

Diya Mirza her binoculars and wild tigers to be spotted. Surely, a wild ride ahead!

But not far behind was Purab Kohli. The VJ turned actor too tried his luck in spotting tigers. So who won? That doesn't matter.

Priya Dutt, a Member of Parliament at Lok Sabha, said that it's high time we wake up for the cause. She has pledged to donate a month's salary towards the cause of saving the tiger

Speaking from Cancun, where the Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh is participating in a summit, he pledged his support and said that tiger protection needs local support and cooperation too.

NDTV has been working dedicatedly towards the campaign. A signature campaign, asking all Indians to pledge support to save the tiger, went to every part of the country and was received well.

In this picture, an NDTV Correspondent is talking to the winners of the signature campaign at the Kabini tiger reserve.

At the Live telethon to save the tiger, ministers, celebrities, sportspersons, diplomats, all shared their views equally, but a group of musicians from Mumbai (Mumbai stand) played what they want to say.

All in the name of the tiger.

NDTV Correspondent Gargi Rawat travelled all the way to Ranthambore to attend a student's mela dedicated to the cause of tiger. The children had some spectacular views to share as they said that the future of the country and the world depended on tiger conservation.

“no tiger, no forests, no water, no human beings,” said one of the students at the mela

For a cause of this nature, celebs open-heartedly contributed in every way they thought was appropriate. From Big B's sunglasses to Manish Arora designed outfit, all were up for grabs.

Children were amongst the most enthusiastic lot to have participated in the campaign. They shared their views and organised various competitions dedicated to the cause.

In this picture, children from Mumbai are seen designing and painting tiger images.