Dr Kafeel Khan pens heartfelt letter to Shah Rukh Khan for addressing "Gorakhpur Tragedy" in Jawan
Gorakhpur UP: In a letter addressed to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Dr. Kafeel Khan, the former Assistant Professor at BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur, expressed his profound appreciation for Shah Rukh Khan's latest blockbuster film, "Jawan."
The movie, which delves into the tragic Gorakhpur Encephalitis incident, resonated deeply with Dr. Kafeel Khan, who himself had a personal connection with the incident and its aftermath.
In his letter, Dr. Khan commended Shah Rukh Khan's commitment to using cinema as a powerful medium to shed light on critical socio-political issues. He praised the film's poignant portrayal of the Gorakhpur tragedy, emphasizing the urgency for accountability within the healthcare system, a theme that "Jawan" powerfully conveys.
While acknowledging that "Jawan" is a work of fiction, Dr. Kafeel Khan noted the striking parallels it drew to the Gorakhpur tragedy, highlighting systemic failures, apathy, and the devastating loss of innocent lives.
He particularly appreciated the character of Dr. Eeram Khan, portrayed by actress Sanya Malhotra, which resonated with his own experiences. Dr. Khan lamented the real culprits of the Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy still being at large, himself struggling to regain his job, and the grieving parents awaiting justice.
Dr. Kafeel Khan took the opportunity to share that he has authored a book titled "The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy," published by Pan Macmillan and available in multiple languages. The book provides a comprehensive firsthand account of the tragedy and its aftermath, paralleling elements of the movie's plot.
Dr. Khan also expressed his desire to meet Shah Rukh Khan, the talented director Atlee, and other members of the film's crew. He aimed to personally convey his gratitude for their efforts in bringing the Gorakhpur tragedy to light and initiating vital conversations about healthcare accountability in India.
In his closing words, Dr. Kafeel Khan assured Shah Rukh Khan of his unwavering dedication to serving his fellow countrymen, expressing his gratitude for the actor's role as a beacon of hope. Dr. Khan eagerly awaited a response from the Bollywood icon.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain your email address, @iamsrk sir .
— Dr Kafeel Khan (@drkafeelkhan) October 5, 2023
Consequently, I sent the letter by post, but that also showing in transit even after many days .Therefore posting it here 🙏🏾
To
The Honourable Mr. Shah Rukh Khan
Indian actor and film producer
Mannat,… pic.twitter.com/9OxtzHQJ5M
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
