Don't return awards, address issues: Kareena

Raipur: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has disapproved of the trend of writers and filmmakers returning their awards to protest "growing intolerance in the country" and advised them to instead address the issues bothering them.

"Returning an award would not solve any problem. We should learn to address the issue (of intolerance) rather than getting it upon ourselves. It is not a personal issue, it is the issue of entire nation," she said in a press meet today.

The "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" star said she was inspired by the firm stand taken by youths on issues facing the country.

"I haven't returned any awards. But whatever is going on (in the country), the retaliation of youths (over different issues) that is what really?inspired me," the 35-year-old said when asked to comment on filmmakers returning awards to protest "rising intolerance" under the present Government.

Kareena was in Raipur to take part in a series of programmes based on children organised by Unicef, School Education and Women and Child Development Departments of Chhattisgarh Government. The popular star is Unicef India's "celebrity advocate" for education.

She appreciated the efforts of Unicef and State Government to promote education among children, especially those residing in the remote areas of Chhattisgarh.
Earlier, addressing a programme held to mark the culmination of Child Right Convention Week, Kareena stressed on improving the standard of education and simultaneously increasing enrolment of students in schools.

"Though enrolment of students in schools has increased significantly, quality education is still an issue of concern. Ensuring quality education to every child is one of the major challenges before us."

Quality education and advanced learning techniques in a school can collectively ensure progress of a child to attain a better future, she added.

Kareena also advocated for facilities like separate toilets for girls in schools, availability of clean drinking water for students and improving access to schools.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Raman Singh launched a mobile mobile-cum web-based application `CG Edutrack' jointly developed by Unicef and School Education Department.

The application will help in monitoring the presence of teachers and students in Government-run schools.