India is a difficult country: Priyanka Chopra

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who has made a name for herself in international showbiz, says India is a difficult country and it will take time for things to change as far as the mindset towards women is concerned as well as in terms of the difference between the rich and poor.

"India is a difficult country. It is like one whole world wherein each state has different traits, different culture, different language, different writing, different thought process and different religion. It (change in mindset for women) is not going to be changed tomorrow," Priyanka said here on Tuesday.

The actress shared her views about the stereotypes that women are subjected to when she became a part of an event here.

Priyanka, as a Unicef goodwill ambassador launched a 'Fair Start' campaign, here on Tuesday. The session touched upon various issues like the gap between rich and poor, stereotypes that women face and how can more opportunities be created so that everyone in the country gets a fair chance to prove their potential.

"We have forgotten humanity in this disparity. And we can overcome it by creating opportunity to include them (less privileged) in your life. Slowly you will make a difference. Opportunities should be created by the government, which they are, but government can not change mindset. Change will come from within us," said the National Award winning actress.

Asked to comment on how Indian women are still struggling to get their rights, she said: "Since the time I remember, and it is not our country's fault, the whole world treats women as second fiddle. It will take sometime to change that. And the change can only come when all the girls will stand united and ask for their right."

The "Mary Kom" actress shared that the most important thing to do right now is that all the "mothers should teach their sons to respect women".

The actress even urged the people of the country to give opportunities to girls so they can show their calibre.

She concluded with a message for the youth: "Be the best version of yourself -- girl or boy".

--IANS

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