As one of the Brand Ambassadors for the Special Olympics, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has hit out at the negative connotation and use of the ‘R-word’ (‘Retard’). Akshay is upset at the continual and ignorant use of the word and has kick-started a campaign to demand a ban on the wrongful usage of the word ‘Retard’.
Following the controversy of Hollywood Actress, Jennifer Aniston’s wrongful usage of the ‘R-word’ in her interview on the ‘Live with Regis and Kelly’ show, Akshay has spoken out saying, “Being Ambassador for the Special Olympics in India, I have always tried to make these wonderful and extremely talented human beings feel as loved and respected as humanly possible. The recent incident involving Jennifer Aniston using the R word on live TV was of course blown out of proportion poor thing, its not like the rest of us are angels, but it just shows how unaware we are and how frivolously we use this word Retard. One could never understand how much it hurts it demeans such great people who strive harder in life than we could ever imagine.”
The humanitarian takes his role as a Special Olympics Ambassador very seriously and has made concerted efforts to make the ‘Ban the R Word’ campaign a success. On his twitter, Akshay has personally requested for those that have a heart to visit the website www.r-wordindia.org and pledge their support for the banning of the ‘R’ word.
The campaign will help further the actor’s bigger efforts to ensure mentally and physically challenged individuals are recognised as equal members of society, as well as encouraging them to blossom in their abilities. He adds, “I am doing as much as I can for all Indians to have equal love and respect in this world, question is are you? Please find it in yourselves to join.”
To join Akshay Kumar in the campaign to ban the ‘R’ Word, please visit www.r-wordindia.org.
