How Shah Rukh Khan is empowering acid attack victims through Meer Foundation
Besides being the silver screen’s heartthrob, actor Shah Rukh Khan has also endeared himself to people from other walks of life. His journey from a commoner to one of the top actors of India without any so-called godfathers has been incredible. But what makes him truly an inspiration is his deeds for the underprivileged and the marginalised. The actor established Meer Foundation, an organisation that works extensively towards empowering women subjected to acid violence. The organisation facilitates several on-field projects, knowledge-sharing initiatives and campaigns, awareness models, research and advocacy.
According to the official website of Meer Foundation, their mission is to 'enable, enhance and encourage – empower women by making them feel appreciated and inspired, and to foster humility, pride and gallantry among the men in their lives. To tap into the bravery, warmth and optimism that exists within us all. We aim to achieve equality whilst celebrating our differences.'
Also read: Life lessons from Shah Rukh Khan’s journey
Owing to the efforts made by Meer Foundation with respect to women empowerment and protecting women's rights and child's rights, Shah Rukh Khan was awarded 2018 Crystal Award by World Economic Forum recently. The actor took to Twitter to say,
"Thank u for this honour. I consider my work with these heroic & beautiful women a great privilege as it imparts dignity & purpose to my life. I hope to spread awareness of the unparalleled heroism of these ladies & reach out to others in order to carry this work to its conclusion"
Among the several NGOs and foundations Meer is associated with, Sankara Nehtralaya, Make-a-wish, Smile Foundation, Nanavati Hospital, National Burns Centre are a few. According to a report by Modern Diplomacy, Shah Rukh Khan said,
"With victims of acid attacks I have had the privilege to witness the unparalleled courage and compassion that women are capable of. I have seen the transformative strength of goodness and the healing power of gentleness."
