New Delhi : Mr. Jackie Chan, renowned Hollywood star and martial art legend visited a Smile Foundation community project to interact with children and to give martial art tips to young girls and women. Smile Foundation is a national level development organization. Mr. Chan is on a trip to India organized by India China Economic and Cultural Council.
The visit started with a welcome of Mr. Jackie Chan in traditional Indian style by Smile Foundation children. Mr. Chan along with his delegates visited one of the Mission Education programme centres of Smile Foundation and took a glimpse of the facilities such as computer room, classrooms, livelihood training centre for women etc. He spent quality time inquiring about the progress of kids along with sharing some light moments with them.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jackie Chan said, “Children have a special place for me always and I believe the beauty of a country lies in its people, especially its children. Education to these kids is what we all wish for and it is our responsibility to get our future generation to be well educated and well equipped to lead a dignified life. I would like to congratulate Smile Foundation for doing commendable job in building the generation next.”
Children of Smile Foundation were happy to be with their favourite action star. They showed their love and excitement for him by performing dance numbers for him. Many kids also presented handmade cards especially prepared by them for Mr. Chan.
Mr. Jackie Chan emphasised the role of self defence for girls and young women. He also gave special display of few steps of Martial Arts to the girl children of Smile Foundation. The young community women also displayed their self defence skills to the star.
Smile Foundation has so far trained 150,000 young women on self defence and empowerment skills through its women empowerment programme named Swabhiman.
Thanking Mr. Jackie Chan, Mr. Vikram Singh Verma, COO, Smile Foundation said, “On behalf of Smile Foundation I would like to thank Mr. Jackie Chan for taking time out and spending time with our children.” He added, “I would also like to thank India China Economic and Cultural Council for facilitating Mr. Chan’s visit here and making a dream come true of our little kids.”
Always a very popular star among kids due to his good natured acting style, Mr. Jackie Chan came across as a motivation for these kids to rise high like him. A trailer from his upcoming film was also showcased at the event. Mr Chan. was honoured with a memento and a shawl from Smile Foundation. The visit ended with release of balloons into the sky representing hope and aspiration for the children.