MUMBAI: To promote the birth registration as part of Plan India’s (a child centric development organization), Universal Birth Registration campaign (UBR), film star Anil Kapoor has pledged his support to the cause in India. In a first ever association with any cause, commercial or charitable, Anil Kapoor will be active in promoting UBR in a variety of ways, such as participating in select UBR events, appearing for television commercials supporting the campaign and for opportunities to raise awareness and visibility of the movement’s mission.

Anil’s absolute & confirmed views have made him very discerning of associating with any cause in the past. His participation in the campaign is a reflection of his beliefs in upholding the basics right of a child – the right to a name, a legal identity and a nationality.

Commenting on Anil Kapoor’s association with UBR, Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director, Plan India, said, “Anil Kapoor shares Plan India’s vision for bringing about a progressive change in the status of birth registration in India. Anil will bring an immense amount of focus and attention with him. He sends the spotlight directly to the campaign making it more effective and powerful. The UBR campaign is an excellent example of how effective celebrity partnership can assist in achieving social
goals “.

Plan India, and Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI) have come together to ensure universal birth registration. The birth certificate is the first legal document that the state gives to its citizens. The possession of a birth certificate by a person can ensure a large number of rights and privileges to him or her. First of all, it is an affirmation of a person’s identity. Secondly, it is a legal document that can be used to procure a large number of other legal and administrative documents and privileges like school admission, ration card, bank account, and many official documents.

Finally, in case of a legal situation faced by an individual, or in case of an accident where the state is involved, the birth certificate can be a very powerful document in the hands of the individual, which can ensure timely and appropriate redress.