Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 4, 2018)

Shah Rukh Khan who recently attended the send-off hosted by the Paralympics Committee to the Indian contingent taking part in the Asian Para Games 2018, further extended his support to the para-athletes on Monday, International Day of Disabled Persons, by donating 50 wheelchairs. The actor’s NGO, Meer Foundation, has been working closely with Deepa Malik and her foundation, Wheeling Happiness, to smoothen the journey of the athletes as they take the field.

“It has been a privilege knowing and associating with Deepa for a cause as virtuous as this. She is not just an inspiration to many but also a reflection of ourselves as we all are incomplete in one way or the other, and it is for us to embrace our imperfections and achieve our goals. Felicitating these para-athletes is a step forward in achieving the dream of representing India at the Paralympics,’ asserted SRK.

Deepa, the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in shot put the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games, described his contribution as a “gracious step” as it “not only facilitates the athletes but also motivates and boosts their confidence”.

SRK’s foundation also provides support to acid attacks survivors and those who have sustained major burn injuries, helping with their medical treatment as also offering legal aid, vocational training, rehabilitation and livelihood support.