Bollywood actor and activist Vivek Oberoi says working for social causes gives him more satisfaction than winning film awards.
Oberoi is the brand ambassador for Food For Life Vrindavan (FFLV), an organisation that provides aid to women and children in Vrindavan.
The organisation is launching the Tuk Tuk Challenge 2016 that will see 15 people travel 1,800km from Mumbai to Kanya Kumari in auto rickshaws.
At a press conference on Saturday, Oberoi said: “In my life, I am blessed to win awards for my acting. After winning the award I do nothing but put them in a showcase, but when I go to Vrindavan and meet our kids, see them growing, it gives me immense joy and feels like their growth is my living award.”
“Charitable work satisfies me more than winning awards. So I urge all the citizens of my country to join us to give our girls a better future,” he added.
The people who will make the journey include filmmaker Ravinol Chambers and award-winning hair dresser David Jameli.
FFLV aims to empower girls and women in rural parts of Uttar Pradesh’s Vrindavan and bring change by stopping child marriage, child prostitution and helping unprivileged girls get an education and adequate nutrition.
“There are days I have seen when parents take their girls of 10-12 years away from our school for marriage. It is difficult to believe that when we are talking about globalisation, such inhuman acts still happen with the girl child in our country,” Oberoi said.
“However, we realise that we have to create awareness and have to bring a change in people’s way of thinking to stop such injustice. We have three schools where around 1,500 girls are studying and dreaming for a bright future,” Oberoi added.
Chambers, who is planning to make a documentary on the challenge, said: “Living here in India, I gained an experience that has changed my life. Now that I am joining the cause, I am happy to do something for the society here. I will shoot the road journey of the activity, interact with kids and people who are joining us. I am looking forward to the trip.”
FFLV founder Rupa Ragunath Das also urged everyone to join the challenge and support their cause.
