Mumbai: The ‘Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship’, which was named after the superstar last year, has been awarded to a young female researcher from Kerala. The actor has said he is a staunch believer in education.
It has gone to researcher Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi from Thrissur (Kerala), working on farming practices through animal science, ecology and molecular studies. Chosen from over 800 Indian women, she was awarded the four-year scholarship at a ceremony here Wednesday.
“I’m a staunch believer in education and I would like to congratulate Gopika. Way forward for everyone is educate and there’s never an end to education,” Shah Rukh said.
“Empowering and educating women is key and the world goes forward with educating women. I think education in India or anywhere else in the world is a step forward,” added the actor.
Shah Rukh said that Gopika is lucky as she’s soon going to be studying at La Trobe which is a ‘fantastic university and I’m glad she’s getting this opportunity to do this PhD on her research’.
“I admire Gopika’s dedication and determination. This scholarship will enable her to travel to La Trobe in Melbourne, Australia where she will pursue her dreams of helping to improve India’s agriculture sector,” informed Shah Rukh who hasn’t featured in a movie for a substantial amount of time now.
This comes before the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will enter its eleventh year. The team had organised a prelude event in Mumbai before their main event in Melbourne.
Agencies
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