December 5 is marked as the 118th birthday of the renowned American producer, Walt Disney. Whenever we hear his name, so many cartoons characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Cinderella come to mind. Every person, regardless of his/her geographical location, is familiar with such immortal cartoon characters.
Walt Disney is known as a successful film producer, cartoonist, animation expert and business man but the journey of his life from failures to success is hidden from many of us.
Walt Disney was one of the most powerful and influential media personalities of the previous century. However, he had worked hard day and night tirelessly to fulfill his dreams. After a long struggle, he attained an honourable role in his professional life. Born in a poor family of Chicago, Walt Disney was fond of drawing and painting since childhood. However, extreme poverty and limited resources forced him to sell newspapers at the railway station. He managed to get employed with a local newspaper but was fired after being told he was not creative.
Walt Disney strongly believed that “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Once, he said that: "I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter." Walt Disney was of the view that: "Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future."
Disney, in order to implement his vision in practical life, established a film studio with the support of his brother and close friend. Unfortunately, the business venture went bankrupt. Brave Walt Disney did not lose heart and once again tried to establish another studio in New York. Again he had to face loss in business. The creation of the famous cartoon character, Mickey Mouse, proved to be a turning point in his career. Disney himself provided a voice to Mickey Mouse. Soon, his first animated film Snow White and Seven Dwarf was released. The film was nominated for Best Musical Score at the Academy Awards. He was also awarded an honorary Oscar for the film.
The entire world was now witnessing that the man who once faced rejections and many setbacks in life had succeeded in transforming himself into one of the most successful personalities of the century. His productions were securing million of dollars worth of business. Walt Disney achieved many awards and his remarkable success started impacting each corner of the world. Every child was now a fan of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other cartoon characters, and wished to meet them. To fulfil this innocent wish of children, Walt Disney established the Disney Land amusement park, the home of Disney's cartoon characters. To keep alive his past memories of railway stations, Walt Disney gave special attention to the rail track in Disney Land.
Walt Disney died at the age of 65 just after ten days of his birthday. It is an deniable fact that the Walt Disney Company still holds a prominent position in the international media market. Disney Theme parks, being developed in different parts of the world, are attracting a large number of children and families on daily basis.
Although such legendary personalities like Walt Disney have to depart from this mortal world, their vision stays still alive. Whoever serves the people, he/she succeeds in engraving his/her name in history forever. We must understand that children are a precious gift from God. Today, we can see the happy faces of our children watching Walt Disney 's cartoons on TV screens. It also reminds us of our own childhood days when we also used to enjoy these cartoons.
In my view, Walt Disney's birthday delivers the message that we must not give up in our struggle, and must carry on consistently. The right direction plays a pivotal role for success. We should behave politely with everyone; especially children should be treated with great care, kindness and love. Today, I also express my firm commitment that I will keep struggling for the welfare of my community and will never ever give up. A Belated Happy Birthday to Walt Disney!
The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council.
Twitter: @RVankwani
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