Melbourne’s La Trobe University has conferred a PhD degree to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan for his humanitarian work towards underprivileged children and women’s empowerment besides his acting skills.
Often referred as ‘Badshah (King) of Bollywood’, La Trobe has recognized and honored the humanitarian works of his foundation, Meer Foundation. The university also announced the launch of Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship – a four-year PhD to inspire a female researcher from India to undertake research to help find solutions to the growing challenges of our time.
A wonderful moment that joins the philosophy of two great forces for the betterment of our world @latrobe @iamsrk #latrobeuni pic.twitter.com/IRKCRW7xXd
— Wendy Martinec (@wendy_martinec) August 9, 2019
According to the university, ‘registrations opened today for research candidates to submit their interest for the scholarship by 30 August 2019. The successful candidate will be a female Indian national who has completed a Masters by Research degree (or equivalent) within the past 10 years.
The candidate will be supported with a four-year research scholarship valued in excess of $200,000 (AUD) to be completed at La Trobe’s state-of-the-art facilities in Melbourne, Australia. They will undertake research supervised by the University’s leading experts in either health, sport, information technology, cyber security or engineering.
“As a passionate advocate for women’s equality and empowerment, I am delighted that this scholarship will give an Indian woman a chance to pursue research in a field which is likely to lead her towards an exciting and successful career. I thank La Trobe University wholeheartedly for giving someone this wonderful opportunity,” Mr Khan said.
Meer Foundation:
Named after the actor’s father, Meer Taj Mohammed Khan, Meer Foundation aims to effect change at ground level and create a world that empowers women. It includes the support of female victims of acid attacks and burn injuries by supporting institutions who provide medical treatment, legal aid and vocational training as well as rehabilitation and livelihood support. The foundation was incorporated in 2013.
