Big-B hopes for poverty-free India by 2030

Amitabh Bachchan, who recently attended an event held to announce the Global Citizen India Festival, has expressed hope for a poverty-free India by 2030.

The 73-year-old actor took to his Blog to share his thoughts on the same and wrote, "Global citizenry beckons .. the nature of the intent and its inception brings many of us on a common platform to work and hope to succeed in ridding poverty from India by 2030 .. that's another 15 years away .."

Several other Bollywood celebs including Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Farhan Akhtar also attended the event that was hosted by Tisca Chopra.

Sharing his thoughts, Farhan took to his Twitter handle to post, "Was an honour to be part of flagging off @GlblCtzn India. We can be the change. We can make the change. #ShuruaatHoonMain"

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BJP MP Poonam Mahajan were also among those who attended the event yesterday.

Extending his support to the initiative, Fadnavis said the power of a digital India is unmatched.

"Global Citizen is an important initiative given its ability to engage citizens and engage them in crucial issues. The Global Education and Leadership Foundation's focus on ethical altruistic leadership is important work that involves investing in our demographic dividend. The synergy of these promises exciting outcomes," said Fadnavis.

"Connected individuals can amplify their collective voice and express their views on critical issues that people across the country face," he added.

The Chief Minister further said the commitments raised over the last five editions of the festival are remarkable, adding the work done to get citizens to take action is unique.

"I believe this is an interesting night an innovative approach to achieve important goals. Maharashtra looks forward to lead this movement across India. We are proud to bring this initiative to the country and be the voice of India to the world," he said.

The charity concert, which is overseen by the Global Poverty Project, will be held at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai on November 19 on the occasion of World Toilet Day with a focus on sanitation, clean water, education and gender equality.

The inaugural Global Citizen Festival India will be headlined by International artists like Coldplay and Jay Z and a host of B-Town biggies like Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, AR Rahman, Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Arijit Singh, Dia Mirza, Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Monali Thakur.

Shiv Khemka, the chairman of The Global Education and Leadership Foundation, believes that India and its 800 million young people must play a vital role in the mission to achieve the Global Goals.

"Young people are starting to engage with the challenges facing our country and the planet and are becoming increasingly committed to taking action for social change. TGELF's mission is to nurture and support ethical, altruistic and decisive leadership amongst young people at schools and colleges. Each one of us is responsible for our actions and the power of each action taken collectively can help achieve the global goals," Khemka said.