Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan delivered a powerful and emotional address at the 2025 Global Peace Honours event in Mumbai, paying heartfelt tributes to victims of major terror attacks and the security personnel who sacrificed their lives.
A Nation's Tribute to Its Heroes
The 60-year-old actor, speaking with deep emotion, specifically remembered those who lost their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year, and the recent blast near Red Fort in Delhi. He expressed his humble tribute to the innocent civilians and offered a respectful salute to the brave security personnel martyred in these devastating incidents.
Known for his blockbuster film "Jawan", Khan went beyond honoring the soldiers themselves, extending his salute to their families for their immense courage. "I want to salute the mothers who gave birth to such brave sons. I salute the spirit of their fathers; I salute the courage of their partners," he stated, acknowledging that while the soldiers were on the battlefield, their families fought alongside them with immense bravery.
Unity as India's Greatest Strength
SRK emphasized that India has never bowed down in the face of adversity, asserting that the country's true power lies in its unity. He declared that no external force has been able to stop, defeat, or steal the nation's peace because of the unwavering strength of its men in uniform.
"As long as this country’s superheroes, the men in uniform, stand strong, peace and security will always stay in our land," Khan affirmed, highlighting the crucial role of security forces in maintaining national stability.
The Revolutionary Power of Peace
The actor described peace as "a beautiful thing" and a universal goal that fosters better thinking, innovative ideas, and progress. He called for a collective movement towards peace, urging citizens to rise above divisions of caste, creed, and discrimination to walk the path of humanity.
"Peace is the revolution needed for a better world," he proclaimed. Khan concluded with a stirring call to action, stating that with peace among its people, "nothing can shake India, nothing can defeat India and nothing can break the spirit of us Indians."
In a poignant finale, the superstar recited powerful lines dedicated to the nation's soldiers, encouraging them to proclaim with pride their role as the country's protectors, to value the blessings of 1.4 billion people as their true earnings, and to remember that it is those who attack who should feel fear, not the brave defenders of the nation.
