Ayushmann Khurrana is praised for his innovative and socially conscious entertainment pieces that emphasise diversity as a means of fostering nationalism. During Pride Month, the actor, who also serves as the UNICEF National Ambassador, is empowering the LGBTQIA+ community in Chandigarh by teaching them how to start their own businesses.
He has made investments in creating food trucks for the neighbourhood so they can start their own food business and become self-sufficient. The trucks, which carry the moniker “Sweekar,” are a play on the value of community acceptance.
Talking about the initiative, Ayushmann said, “According to me, an actor should try and have a social responsibility. It is the love of the people that put us in a position where we can do our bit to empower people and communities thereby raising awareness on important issues. I have always believed that inclusivity is the primary pillar for nation-building.”
He adds, “Every individual must do their bit to help as many people as possible. We have to also encourage others to do the same. Once we realise how symbiotic we are as a society and how we can only thrive by being together, we will achieve our bigger goal of creating a harmonious, co-existing world that celebrates diversity.”
The photographs of the cuisine were tweeted by Dhananjay Chauhan, the first transgender student at Punjab University and a vocal advocate for the group in the region. “Thank you so much Ayushmann Khurranaji for supporting transgender. Without your help, our dream will never fulfil. Chandigarh administration and Punjab University can provide a space for transgender to start food business,” he posted.
“I’m thrilled that on the occasion of Pride Month, this is a step to empower members of the transgender community in Chandigarh to become self-reliant by turning them into entrepreneurs. I will always support the LGBTQIA+ community in my own way,” Ayushmann concludes.