Lara Dutta joins hands with MTV to battle human trafficking

SOLD, the lead feature of the MTV EXIT campaign in South Asia is a unique and powerful program which aims to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking.

An MTV EXIT Special premiered today in Mumbai with Lara Dutta presenting the documentary. SOLD, the lead feature of the MTV EXIT campaign in South Asia is a unique and powerful program which aims to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking. Bollywood Actress Lara Dutta is one amongst many international artists who have joined the MTV EXIT Campaign. The documentary will be telecast on MTV on Saturday, 22nd September, 7:00 pm

MTV EXIT is produced in partnership with USAID, The United States Agency for International Development. The documentary gives an insight into the realities of trafficking, addresses the part that everyone plays in the issue, and provides information on how individuals can protect themselves against trafficking, as well as what everyone can do to help end exploitation and trafficking. SOLD: An MTV EXIT Special has been produced in English and Hindi to maximize local relevance.

Lara Dutta, MTV EXIT South Asia Ambassador for the campaign, was quoted saying, “I am glad that I can use my status as an actress in the Indian Film Industry – an industry that India is crazy about to create awareness about another underground industry – human trafficking, which is becoming alarmingly bigger and more nefarious day by day. I am especially proud of ‘sold’ which is a true eye opener and hope that we spread the message that will help anyone and everyone fight against the pervasiveness of trafficking of human beings for manual labour, domestic labour and prostitution.”

Ashish Patil, General Manager, MTV India & VP, Creative & Content, said “MTV has always delivered high impact content & communication for youth audiences that not only entertains them, but makes them think, be informed and react. Each one of us is a key link in the human trafficking chain. The first step in breaking that chain is creating awareness. The MTV Exit campaign hopes to do just that in signature MTV style by speaking a language that the youth connect with. Through some compelling stories – really well told – that drive home the message. Join us, and help us break that chain.”

“We are very proud to be launching the MTV EXIT Campaign across South Asia,” commented Simon Goff, MTV EXIT Campaign Director. “As the “SOLD” documentary shows, trafficking is of critical importance here, both in terms of vulnerable young people being trafficked and in respect to the exploitation of trafficking victims. We hope that this campaign provides key information for people to protect themselves as well as inspire our audience to join the fight against trafficking.”

Michael S. Owen, U.S. Consul General, said “SOLD: An MTV EXIT Special is just one project, but an important one. It complements U.S. programs around the world that help prevent trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, protect people most at risk, and reintegrate people who have been trafficked. This movie is a call to action.”

In the recent past as a part of the Pro-Social initiatives, MTV India has actively involved more than 10,000 youngsters, singers, performers and MTV VJ’s in an effort to fight against HIV & AIDS, to ‘Spread the Message and Not the Virus!’ at the MTV Music Summit for Aids held in Mumbai. MTV has also launched a public awareness campaign 'MTV Dirtbusters' to create awareness and get young adults into doing something about the pollution, dirt and littering in the neighbourhood.

Source: India Infoline News Services