Priyanka Lauds Sood's Plea To Help Kids Who Lost Parents to COVID

She urged everyone to contribute towards the cause to ensure 'education for every child'

Actor Priyanka Chopra; Sonu Sood

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

Priyanka Chopra lauded Sonu Sood, and amplified his recent video wherein he appealed to the Indian government to make education free for children who've lost their parents to COVID-19. In an Instagram repost, she called Sonu a 'visionary philanthropist' who 'thinks and plans ahead'.

"Have you heard of visionary philanthropists? My colleague @sonu_sood is one such. He thinks and plans ahead. Think this one out carefully because the impact is long-term and it involves children—amongst the many horror stories of the pandemic, this is regarding those children who have lost one or both parents due to COVID-19," she highlighted the importance of the cause in her caption.

Talking about the impact losing parents can have on a child's education, she added, "The disruption, for many, sadly leads to a complete stop in their education due to the combination of loss and economic factors due to that loss. Firstly, I am inspired that Sonu made this critical observation. Secondly, in typical Sonu style, he has also thought of a solution and come up with some suggestions for action."

She then detailed Sonu's plan and added that a child's education shouldn't be put on pause, "Sonu’s suggestion is to both the state and central governments to ensure free education for all children affected by Covid. Whatever stage of studies they are at—school, college, or pursuing higher studies. The aim is not to allow a pause and definitely not for the lack of finance. If ignored, a huge number of children would be left without the opportunity as adults."

In his video, Sonu had asked the State governments, Central governments, and philanthropic organizations to lend a helping hand and contribute to the case. Priyanka also extended the plea to everyone outside the government and said, "For those outside govt, I appeal to your compassion combined with generosity and be the philanthropists, knock on institute doors or anyone who can help to make an impact that will matter. Adopt the education of a child if you can. I fully support Sonu’s ideas and I will actively work towards finding ways to support education because I have always believed that #educationforeverychild is a birthright." In her words, we, as a society, can't let a virus take that right away.

Union Smriti Irani commented under Priyanka's post and shared a child helpline number. "Kindly call 1098 - Childline in case you or any organisation finds a child who is orphaned. Every state government and district authority is on alert to help provide support to children in need and distress," she wrote. While adding that the Child Welfare Committees in every district have been directed to prioritize such cases, she urged people to help the committees work towards that goal and not withhold any information.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

Priyanka had earlier announced her association with the non-profit Give India to set up a fundraiser to help India grapple with the COVID crisis. She touched upon the urgency of the situation and urged everyone to donate what they can. India is dealing with a shortage of medical supplies even as cases continue to rise on the daily. Priyanka informed that the money raised for the fundraiser will go towards improving India's health infrastructure, better medical facilities, and improved vaccination.

The fundraiser has raised $750k (approx. 5.5 crore) according to the latest update shared by Priyanka on her Instagram story.