Shah Rukh Khan receives honorary doctorate from La Trobe University
What's the story
Shah Rukh Khan was felicitated with an honorary doctorate degree by the prestigious La Trobe University. He was given the honor of Doctor Of Letters in recognition of his efforts towards underprivileged children, women empowerment through MEER foundation, and his achievements in Bollywood. Besides, the Melbourne-based university also announced a Ph.D. scholarship in his name that will support aspiring female researchers from India.
Information
SRK is a champion of societal change, varsity's VC said
"SRK is a champion of societal change whose efforts to support the equality of women in India reflect La Trobe's values of inclusiveness, equity, and social justice," La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar said in a statement, after bestowing SRK with the award.
Statement
It's an award for the courage of every woman: SRK
Notably, La Trobe is the first Australian university to confer the Chak de India star with a doctorate degree for his humanitarian work. Delighted with the honor, SRK stated, "This is not an award for anything the Meer Foundation might have achieved. It is for the courage of every woman who faces the brutality of injustice, inequality and inhumanity," after receiving the award.
Twitter Post
"I experienced firsthand the superficiality of social values"
#SRK:'I experienced firsthand the superficiality of social values that place a woman’s appearance before her inner worth. I wanted to subvert that idea - to create a space where a woman can be freed of these archaic notions, and the true source of her beauty could be celebrated.' pic.twitter.com/JxAnm3o7K8
— La Trobe University (@latrobe) August 9, 2019
Scholarship
Scholarship recognizes SRK's extraordinary altruism, says University Vice-Chancellor
The university also announced the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University Ph.D. Scholarship. The scholarship will "offer a unique and potentially life-changing opportunity for an Indian woman" to conduct research in areas like cybersecurity, health or engineering to make a meaningful impact in the world. "The scholarship recognizes SRK's extraordinary altruism, demonstrated in his work to advocate for women's empowerment," the university Vice-Chancellor said.
Statement
SRK welcomed the scholarship announcement, thanks the varsity
Welcoming the scholarship announcement, SRK thanked the university "for giving someone this wonderful opportunity," and expressed gratitude "for its graciousness." "As a passionate advocate for women's equality and empowerment, I am delighted that this scholarship will give an Indian woman a chance to pursue research in a field which is likely to lead her towards an exciting and a successful career," he added.
Twitter Post
I doff my hat a million times to you: SRK
‘I am deeply grateful to @latrobeuni for its graciousness in offering scholarships for the education of young women from my country. I doff my hat a million times to you!' - @iamsrk
— La Trobe University (@latrobe) August 9, 2019
Read about the La Trobe PhD scholarship in honour of Shah Rukh Khan: https://t.co/JWkOXJ9Wl8 #SRK pic.twitter.com/fJ7ldcbCMN
Awards
SRK also received honorary doctorate from The University of Law
Interestingly, this isn't SRK's first honorary doctorate. The superstar already has such doctorates from The University of Bedfordshire and The University of Edinburgh. He also received an honorary doctorate from The University of Law (London) in Philanthropy in April this year. After receiving the honor from the University of Law, SRK tweeted, "It'll encourage our team at @MeerFoundation to strive 'selfishly' to share more."
Upcoming movies
He is yet to announce his next acting project
On the work front, SRK, still reeling under the Zero effect, is yet to announce his next acting project. There are however reports that the 53-year-old will be collaborating with 2.0 director Shankar for an upcoming sci-fi thriller. Reportedly, SRK will be playing an underwater superhero in the movie. Besides, he is also said to be working on the Bollywood adaptation of Money Heist.