SRK, Cate Blanchett, Sir Elton John honored with Crystal Awards
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is one of the three winners of the prestigious Crystal Awards this year. He is sharing the honor with actress Cate Blanchett and musician Sir Elton John. According to its website, the Crystal Awards, sponsored by the World Economic Forum (WEF), celebrate the achievements of outstanding artists who have shown exemplary commitment to improving the state of the world.
The WEF has acknowledged Khan for "championing children's and women's rights in India." Khan founded the Meer Foundation, a non-profit that provides medical treatment, legal assistance, vocational training, rehabilitation and more to female victims of acid attacks and burn injuries. For children, he has created specialized hospital wards and helped childcare centers with free boarding for cancer patients.
"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."
Blanchett was chosen for her "leadership in raising awareness of the refugee crisis." The actor has used her star power to raise awareness and raise funds for refugees. In recognition of her efforts, she was appointed a UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. She says her work is simple: "to connect people to the human stories...and state the case for all to stand with refugees."
Sir John, one of the most successful musicians of all time, has been working tirelessly for the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 1992, he established the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), which has till now raised over $400mn for advocacy, prevention and treatment of the disease around the world. Recently, Sir Elton John was conferred the Harvard Foundation's Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award.
"Each of (the awardees) in their own way has taken action to uphold human dignity," said the WEF while announcing the awards. The ceremony will take place on January 22, inaugurating the Forum's 44th Annual Meeting in Davos.
