Indian TV stars want education to be priority for new government

Television stars in India are urging the country’s new lawmakers to put education at the top of the agenda.

Millions of people are voting over several weeks to elect the new Lok Sabha or lower house of the Indian parliament.

And soap opera actors have been using their celebrity status to raise awareness of the need for quality education for all of the country’s children.

Jennifer Winget, who plays Kumud in the show Saraswatichandra, said: “Education is the country’s greatest leveller and its redemption.

“It’s the best investment we can make in our youth and future. So, it’s obvious that the priority of the next government should be to increase the literacy rate so that youth can afford a better standard of living.”

Jennifer, who previously appeared in the soap opera Kasautii Zindagii Kay, said: “I believe whichever government comes to power, ensuring access to good quality education across the country should be its primary agenda.”

Divyanka Tripathi wants to end the scourge of child labour in India

Ending child labour and providing education was the message from Divyanka Tripathi, best known for playing Vidya in Banoo Main Teri Dulhan.

She said: “Child labour is a dreadful reality that has plagued our nation. Children are the future and need to be nurtured and educated so that they can grow to be the leaders of tomorrow. Eradication of child labour is of utmost importance to the nation.”

The Lok Sabha elections are held in nine phases from Aprll 7 to May 12 in 543 parliamentary constituencies. The results will be declared on May 16.

The actors’ calls come as a report by Human Rights Watch says marginalised children in India are being denied their right to an education.

In our Explore channel, you can learn more about the education issues in India.