Vidya Balan Joins Arpan As Their Goodwill Ambassador

Mumbai-based non-profit organization – Arpan, working on the issue of Child Sexual Abuse has roped in Bollywood star Vidya Balan as their goodwill ambassador. Vidya played a survivor of child sexual abuse in the movie Kahaani 2.

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a startling everyday reality for as many as half of the country’s children (National Child Abuse Study 2007). CSA can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, addictions, and suicidal thoughts and can continue to disrupt the child’s life during adulthood if not healed.

Talking about her association with Arpan, Vidya said

“I first connected with Arpan during the filming of Kahaani 2 to understand the issue better and get into the skin of my role. I was amazed by the kind of work Arpan does on the issue especially working with children across age groups and their caregivers to prevent Child Sexual Abuse and heal survivors from the trauma of such an ordeal. As a society, it is critical that we look at how such a social evil can be prevented and how each of us can play a role in keeping children safe. Given the current scenario in our country, now more than ever there is a need for all us to step up and work towards preventing Child Sexual Abuse.”

Ms Pooja Taparia, Founder and CEO of Arpan said,

“It is an honour for Arpan to have a celebrated actor like Vidya Balan as our Goodwill ambassador.”

When asked what her message on the issue of Child Sexual Abuse is, Vidya said,

“My message to everyone is that don’t think that Child Sexual Abuse is something that happens to other’s children. The unfortunate truth is that it could happen to your child or it could be happening to your child. We all need to be vigilant. We all need to be aware and acknowledge when we see the signs. We need to educate our children so that when they experience an unsafe situation, they are empowered enough to get away and seek help from a trusted adult.”