From protagonist to philanthropist, the charismatic Salman Khan has donned many a hat throughout his illustrious career. Capitalising on his popularity for charitable purposes, Salman Khan’s Being Human foundation collaborated with the Fortis Foundation to launch the Little Hearts programme.
Speaking at the launch of the Being Human merchandise store at Fortis hospital Gurgaon, Salman said, “If it takes money to save a life and we have the money, then we would definitely come together to save that life.” Flanked by group chairman Malvinder Mohan Singh and managing director Shivinder Mohan Singh of the Fortis Foundation, Salman urged that there is a need for greater participation in order to cater to the vast expanse of charitable causes.
Hosted in part by theatre and television personality Shivani Wazir Pasrich and enigmatic television presenter and veteran anchor Roshan Abbas, the event also marked the launch of the Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI). Minister of External Affairs, Salman Khurshid present at the event demurely labelled himself the “other Salman who does not take his shirt off” while acknowledging Salman Khan’s presence. Speaking on the occasion, Khurshid said, “I cannot think of anything better to offer to the world than our model of healthcare.”
Elaborating on the Little Hearts programme, Salman mentioned that 42 children suffering from congenital heart defects have been cured under the programme since its initiation, and eight are currently receiving treatment. Setting a target to save at least five hundred lives, Salman insisted that his initiative is still a drop in the ocean, an opinion echoed by Shivinder and Malvinder.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the evening was the engaging light and sound projection on the Fortis building. The enticing presentation mesmerised the audiences as the Fortis Gurgaon campus came alive with highlights about the journey of the Fortis group. As Salman Khan and Salman Khurshid proceeded to inaugurate the FMRI, Shivinder and Malvinder declared that the advanced research capabilities present at FMRI would be instrumental in defining the future of healthcare in India.
Set with a live background score, credited to the Lorraine Music Academy, the event was attended by fashion designers Ritu Beri and Sanjana Jon, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Dr Naresh Trehan, and Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Jitin Prasada among others.
