Shah Rukh to be honoured at World Economic Forum
NEW DELHI: Actor Shah Rukh Khan will be honoured by the World Economic Forum with its Crystal Award for his leadership in championing children’s and women’s rights in India, the Swiss non-profit has announced.
The award celebrates the achievements of artists who are bridge-builders and role models for all leaders of society. The other recipients are actor Cate Blanchett and musician Elton John. The three will be honoured at the opening session of the forum’s annual meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on January 22.
Khan is the founder of Meer Foundation, a non-profit which provides support to victims of acid attacks and major burns through medical treatment, legal aid, vocational training, rehabilitation and livelihood support.
A release by the forum said he is responsible for the creation of specialised children’s hospital wards and has supported childcare centres with free boarding for children undergoing cancer treatment.
“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,” the release quoted Khan as saying.
On Thursday, he tweeted: “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.”HTC