Youth icon and Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana is a thought-leader who is aiming to bring constructive, positive changes in society with his progressive, conversation-starting entertainers. Ayushmann, voted as one of the most influential people of the world by TIME Magazine, has been recently appointed as UNICEF’s Celebrity Advocate for their global campaign EVAC (Ending Violence Against Children). On National Youth Day today, Ayushmann has a special message for the people of our country towards curbing violence against children.
He says, “The National Youth Day is yet another opportunity for all of us to commit ourselves to one important issue. As we begin this year, let’s join hands to end violence against children everywhere. Violence, as we know involves children everywhere and in all aspects of their lives. Many young people today may have faced violence as children.”
He adds, “I want to reiterate that violence and bullying in all its forms are unacceptable. We must build a culture of tolerance and respect and ensure that our homes, schools and social networks are safe places for children. As UNICEF’s celebrity advocate for ending violence against children, I hope that together, we can make a difference.”
Ayushmann also lists down UNICEF’s agenda for the year with regards to the youth of India. He says, “UNICEF works towards ensuring the rights of all children, everywhere, including their right to physical and mental well-being. This is even more important in the context of COVID-19, when the impact of the pandemic has made more children vulnerable to violence and exploitation, including in the online environment.”
He adds, “We can only achieve positive change once we recognise the problem, speak about it and put our heads together to fight it. Raising our collective voices and taking action against violence is crucial. As UNICEF’s celebrity advocate, my goal is to reach out to as many people as I can, both children and parents with this message.”
He further states, “On that note, I wish you all a very happy new year. Please remember to follow all precautions to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe from COVID-19.”
