Shah Rukh Khan recognised for human rights work, alongside top QC and diversity champion
The University of Law (ULaw) has awarded Bollywood megastar turned champion of justice, Shah Rukh Khan, an honorary doctorate in philanthropy.
The award comes as recognition of Khan’s public-spiritedness outside of India’s film industry. Beyond the big screen, Khan is known for championing human rights, access to justice and crime prevention in India, as well as his work with several charities, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
This is Khan’s third honorary degree, having previously received doctorates from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Bedfordshire for his contribution towards art, culture and charitable causes.
Speaking last week at ULaw’ graduation ceremony in London’s Barbican centre, Khan said:
“I believe that charity should be done in silence and with dignity. One cannot speak about their charitable acts because it loses its purpose. I have been privileged to be able to use my status as a public personality to champion causes close to my heart … I firmly believe that I have to give back to the world that has given me so much.”
Khan, who has starred in over 80 Bollywood films, took to Twitter to show his appreciation for the allocade:
Thank u for the honour @universityoflaw & my best wishes to the graduating students. It will encourage our team at @MeerFoundation to strive ‘selfishly’ to share more. pic.twitter.com/IBI1I6UlFY
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 4, 2019
ULaw also awarded an honorary doctorate to Guy Beringer QC in recognition of his work as chairman of the Legal Education Foundation, a charity dedicated to the advancement and support of legal education in the UK.
Also picking up an honorary doctorate was diversity campaigner Miranda Brawn for her work as founder and CEO of the Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims to increase diversity and inclusion, particularly within the workplace.