Priyanka Chopra: Championing Child Healthcare and Education in India

Priyanka Chopra, successful and hugely popular actress in Bollywood and Hollywood, and founder of The Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a celebrated Indian actress and international sensation famed for her roles in Bollywood and Hollywood. Notable films include the critically acclaimed The White Tiger, the comedy Isn't It Romantic, and the action-packed Baywatch. A former Miss World, Priyanka not only showcases her talent across global cinema but also dedicates her efforts to charitable causes. Priyanka, widely recognised for her role as a tough FBI recruit in ABC's Quantico, is also the driving force behind The Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education.  

The idea for the foundation took root more than a decade ago when she learned that only the son of her family's housekeeper was receiving an education. This realisation led her to pay for the daughter's tuition herself. Now, her foundation actively supports children's educational and medical needs in India and worldwide. Chopra's commitment to education stems from her belief in self-reliance: "It means you don't have to depend on anyone else." Priyanka dedicates 10% of her earnings to sustain the foundation's efforts.  

The Priyanka Foundation's Mission

A significant contribution of The Priyanka Foundation, an award-winning nonprofit based in the United States, is assisting sick children and their families worldwide through its Child Life service programs. These programs play a crucial role in the medical care of chronically ill children, aiming to reduce the stress associated with hospital stays and visits to clinics, emergency rooms, radiology, or surgery areas. By offering developmental, educational, and therapeutic interventions, Child Life Practitioners deliver personalised care that acknowledges each family's unique needs and coping methods.

Chopra's commitment to education stems from her belief in self-reliance. She says, "It means you don't have to depend on anyone else."

Services Offered

The foundation's Child Life Centers (CLC) offer:

• Pre-surgery tours and preparatory sessions for children undergoing operations.

• Relaxation and mental imagery techniques to help manage pain and anxiety.

• Therapeutic activities, including crafts and family nights.

• Support groups for children dealing with chronic illnesses or family losses.

• Educational programs to help peers understand a classmate's medical condition.

Importance of Play in Child Life Centers

Recognising play as a vital part of children's recovery and expression, the foundation ensures that hospitals are equipped with playrooms where children can engage with toys and participate in activities that help them cope with medical treatments. These playrooms serve as safe havens where children can interact with each other and express their fears and emotions through play.

Family Involvement and Support

A vital aspect of the foundation's approach is the involvement of the entire family to ensure optimal care and emotional support. The foundation's programs are designed to educate and support not just the patients but also their siblings and parents, fostering an environment of understanding and resilience.

Impact and Future Plans

The Priyanka Foundation is working towards establishing two Child Life Services programs in India in collaboration with local medical institutions. This initiative is poised to introduce and integrate the successful Child Life model used in Minnesota, leveraging existing solid ties between medical communities in the U.S. and India.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra is currently engrossed in her Hollywood film Heads of State, in which she shares the screen with renowned actors Idris Elba, John Cena, and Jack Quaid. Even as the Priyanka Foundation is making strides, driven by deep compassion and a vision for better child welfare.