Priyanka Chopra Jonas came to India after almost three years. The actor, who is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, visited One Stop Centers and government establishments in Lucknow and other parts of Uttar Pradesh, which are working towards the education and upliftment of young girls and women from underprivileged backgrounds. She is more than happy to see the progress being made at these centres.

“The cycle may be slow, but there is progress. Schemes are in place and being implemented,” she tells us.

During her visit, Priyanka says she came across many girls who are fighting for their right to education: “I met girls who were taken out of schools so that their brothers can study, those who are survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse. I’m happy that today, girls are studying and they want to get educated. None of them wanted to become Priyanka Chopra... they wanted to become doctors and engineers and pull their families out of poverty. I wish my daughter (Malti Marie Chopra Jonas) has the power that I saw in these girls.”

The actor also calls for shedding stereotypes that surround females. “I hope the new generation contributes to the growth of the country. Girls are our ‘dhan’, not ‘paraya-dhan’ — this needs to be taught. Things are moving in the right direction, there is a lot of hope,” she wraps up.