Sonu Sood is not just a popular actor in the Indian film industry, but also a humanitarian who has been helping thousands of people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. From arranging transportation for migrant workers to providing medical assistance and scholarships for students, Sood has earned the admiration and respect of millions of Indians and beyond.
One of his latest initiatives is to help set up a school for underprivileged children in Bihar, a state in eastern India that faces many challenges such as poverty, illiteracy and floods. The school was started by Birendra Kumar Mahato, a 27-year-old engineer who quit his job and dedicated his life to educating and feeding orphaned children. He named the school after Sonu Sood, who he considers his role model and inspiration.
How Sonu Sood came to know about the school?
In February 2021, Sonu Sood was surprised to read about Mahato’s story in a newspaper article. He was moved by Mahato’s selfless act of opening a school for 110 children who had lost their parents or were abandoned by them. The school also serves as a shelter home where the children get food, clothes and basic amenities.
Sonu Sood decided to meet Mahato and the children personally and visited the school in Katihar, a district in Bihar. He spent time with them and understood their needs and aspirations. He also appreciated Mahato’s efforts to provide quality education and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
How Sonu Sood is helping the school?
By the end of his visit, Sonu Sood announced that he would help build a new building for the school so that it can accommodate more children and offer better facilities. He also promised to provide higher education opportunities for the children who want to pursue their dreams.
“Increasing access to education is one of the best ways to combat poverty. We aim to educate children from the marginalised sections of the society so that they have a better chance at job opportunities,” Sonu Sood said.
He added: “Higher education is something we are working on. The other important aspect is nutrition and overall well-being as this school is also a night shelter.”
Sonu Sood is also providing education to close to 10,000 students across the country through his charitable foundation called Sood Charity Foundation. He has partnered with various universities and institutions to offer scholarships and online courses for students who cannot afford them.
Why Sonu Sood is an inspiration for many?
Sonu Sood’s humanitarian work has earned him praise from various quarters, including celebrities, politicians and ordinary citizens. He has been honoured with several awards and recognitions for his social service, such as the United Nations Development Programme’s SDG Special Humanitarian Action Award, the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Award and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
He has also been featured in various international media outlets, such as BBC, Forbes and Time magazine, for his philanthropic activities. He has been hailed as a “messiah”, a “real-life hero” and a “role model” by many people who have benefited from his generosity.
Sonu Sood’s story shows that one person can make a difference in the lives of many by using their fame, fortune and influence for a good cause. He also shows that compassion and kindness are not limited by boundaries or barriers, but can transcend them and touch hearts across the world.
