The Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM) was impressed by Sanjay Dutt’s mediation of Gandhigiri in Lage Raho Munnabhai and appointed the actor as its Goodwill Ambassador to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for eradication of malnutrition and hunger.
IIMSAM’s Director General H E Ambassador Remigio Maradona says, “I am confident that Mr Dutt, who brought relevance to the Gandhian values through his Munnabhai character, will help us free the world of malnutrition and hunger.”
Sanju says, “It is a privilege to be associated with a cause that will shall provide me with an opportunity to contribute towards eradication of malnutrition and to secure UN’s Millennium Development Goals. I pledge my commitment to the cause 200% and will be available whenever and wherever IIMSAM requires me for its mandate to bring nutritional security in calamities; and other peace and educational initiatives of the organisation.”
Sanju’s wife Maanayata Dutt collected the award on behalf of both from United Nations director Shalini Dewan on the 60th year celebration at an award ceremony held in Amritsar by All India Human Rights Association on 11 December. She also represented her husband on a UNESCO peace rally to the Wagah border the day before. According to her, “It’s matter of great honour and prestige for us. Sanju will help in eradicating malnutrition and hunger of children throughout the world.”
Sanjay has always been associated with various social causes, such as for cancer and AIDS patients and for drug prevention. Maanayata has joined him in his social work and also is part of the group We The People, founded after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai to spread socio-political awareness amongst the Indians.
