Actor Trisha Krishnan is all set to don a new role, but in real life this time. She is the first actor from South India to be bestowed with the UNICEF celebrity advocate status.
She will voice the rights of young people, especially girls. The actor will support the efforts to address problems faced by children in Tamil Nadu and Kerala such as anaemia, early marriage, labour and child abuse.
Speaking at the event here on Monday, Ms. Trisha said that she was honoured to get the recognition.
“I commit myself to creating more awareness on health, education, nutrition and protection of children, especially the adolescents and young people in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. I would support the efforts of the government to make Tamil Nadu malnutrition-free and open defecation-free,” said the actor.
Interacting with over 50 children at the function, she said education for girls was a magic bullet that would eliminate social evils.
On child marriage
“If all girls attended school, we can eliminate child marriage and child labour. In the long run, [providing] education to girls will also contribute to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality and malnutrition,” she added. Making the announcement at a special function to mark the World Children’s Day, Job Zachariah, Chief of UNICEF office—Tamil Nadu and Kerala said Trisha was an icon for younger generation.
“She has the power to amplify the children’s issues and address violation of child rights in the family, community and in public spaces. She will also promote education and health of adolescents and the value of girl child in family and society.”
Ms. Trisha has acted in 64 films, including 38 in Tamil, 23 in Telugu and one each in Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam.
The programme was attended by M.P. Nirmala, Chairperson, Tamil Nadu State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Sugata Roy, UNICEF communication specialist and representatives from child rights organisations and academic institutions.
