Page

Ayushmann Khurrana

UNICEF India National Ambassador

UNICEF
UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana poses warmly with a group of smiling children and adolescents in a community centre, wearing his UNICEF "for every child" t-shirt.
UNICEF

Best known for his socially relevant cinema and relatable portrayals of everyday heroes, Ayushmann Khurrana is one of India’s most influential contemporary actors. Both on and off screen, he has consistently used his voice to champion social change and advocate for children’s rights.

“It is truly an honour to further my advocacy for children’s rights with UNICEF India as a National Ambassador. I am passionate about the issues facing children and adolescents in India. I have interacted with children and spoken on internet safety, cyberbullying, mental health, and gender equality. I will keep up a strong voice for children’s rights, especially for the most vulnerable, supporting solutions for issues that impact them the most.” 

Ayushmann Khurrana
UNICEF Ayushmann Khurrana marks his first day as UNICEF India National Ambassador, stepping into a new chapter of advocacy for children's rights

Ayushmann was appointed as UNICEF India’s National Ambassador in 2023, after serving as a Celebrity Advocate since 2020. Since then, he has been an active advocate for advancing UNICEF’s efforts to improve the lives of children and adolescents in India. His engagement has contributed to raising awareness and mobilizing support on key child rights issues.

Over the years, Ayushmann has used his voice and influence to champion a wide range of issues affecting children and young people. From ending violence against children and promoting online safety to advancing gender equality, child immunization and youth empowerment, his advocacy has helped bring greater attention to issues that shape children’s lives and futures.

His advocacy has spanned on-ground events, digital campaigns and global platforms, consistently amplifying UNICEF India's mission to build a better world for every child.

Background 

Ayushmann Khurrana is widely regarded as one of Bollywood's most purposeful award-winning actors known for choosing films that spark meaningful social conversations. A multi-faceted artist, he has excelled in acting and music, portraying relatable characters who challenge societal norms. 

Glimpses of Ayushmann’s on ground engagement

Promise to children campaign at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025

Ayushmann Khurrana advocated for child rights, gender equality, and every child’s right to play by participating in the trophy walkout at the start of the India - Bangladesh match in Navi Mumbai, highlighting UNICEF’s call to support every child’s right to play. 

Learn more in the press release: Bollywood Star and UNICEF India National Ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana joins ICC-UNICEF for children’s rights

“As UNICEF India National Ambassador, I am honoured to be here today to support the UNICEF-ICC partnership for children’s rights.  Cricket is more than a game in India; it’s an emotion that brings people together. It’s a spark that can inspire many more, and I am thankful to UNICEF for championing this cause. Today’s Trophy Walkout is a reminder of our shared responsibility to  
make and fulfil our meaningful promise to every child.” 

UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana poses with an Indian women's cricket team player on the field at a stadium during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 India-Bangladesh match in Navi Mumbai.
Ayushmann Khurrana, identified as UNICEF Ambassador, speaking at a cricket stadium during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
Ayushmann Khurrana in a black UNICEF polo shirt laughing joyfully while interacting with Indian women's cricket team players on the field at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai.
UNICEF When every child gets a fair chance, dreams come alive. Ayushmann made his Promise to Children with UNICEF and invites audiences to join the UNICEF donor family and make the promise.

Radio4Child Awards 2024

Ayushmann Khurrana presented the Radio4Child Awards in Mumbai, honouring broadcasters across India who use the power of radio to champion children's rights. 

 
Learn more in the press release: UNICEF India and Ayushmann Khurrana Celebrate Radio Excellence for Child Rights

Ayushmann Khurrana and UNICEF India showing him speaking at a podium at the UNICEF India #Radio4Child awards, with the text overlay "To Educate and Empower" on a blue UNICEF-branded backdrop.
UNICEF Ayushmann Khurrana at the Radio4Child Awards 2024, recognising the outstanding voices speaking up for children across India.

 

 

At Radio4Child Awards 2024 Ayushmann Khurrana's address to RJs, “You are the opinion leaders, you’ve proved that it’s not just about entertaining people, it’s about empowering people, it’s about educating them, informing it’s not only about music, it’s beyond that you’ve a social responsibility on your shoulders and now its call for action.”

World Children’s Day 2022

Ayushmann Khurrana joined UNICEF Regional Ambassador for South Asia, Sachin Tendulkar in highlighting gender-inclusive sports, engaging with girls and boys from across India.

Learn more in the press release: Leaders, Children, Celebrities and Partners champion inclusion and non-discrimination #ForEveryChild through sports with UNICEF

UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar pose with a group of young football players in blue and white jerseys at a UNICEF World Children's Day event.
UNICEF This #WorldChildrensDay, children got the encouragement they need thanks to @sachintendulkar, UNICEF South Asia Goodwill Ambassador and @ayushmannk, UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate.
Two men in UNICEF t-shirts speak on stage at a World Children's Day event, with guests applauding on either side in front of a blue UNICEF branded backdrop.
UNICEF Glimpses of the event.

Ayushmann Khurrana in conversation with young adolescents to spotlight solutions for ending cyberbullying and a safer, more inclusive internet.

Learn more in the press release: Ayushmann Khurrana turns spotlight on ending Cyberbullying

Screenshot of a video call on a bright yellow background featuring UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate Ayushmann Khurrana with two adolescents below—a girl in a striped top and a boy in a dark blue turban. A subtitle reads, 'Inform your parents or an elder for advice.'
UNICEF Ayushmann in conversation with young adolescents, listening and learning about how to make the online world safer for every child.
Screenshot of an Instagram video of Ayushmann Khurrana, UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate, speaking on a video call with the subtitle 'And I am the UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for the same,' as part of a conversation on ending online violence.
UNICEF Ayushmann in conversation with young adolescents listening and learning on how to make the online world safer for every child.
Screenshot of an Instagram video of Ayushmann Khurrana, UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate, speaking on a video call with the subtitle 'And I am the UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for the same,' as part of a conversation on ending online violence.
UNICEF Ayushmann in conversation with young adolescents, listening and learning about how to make the online world safer for every child.

Ayushmann’s appointment as Celebrity Advocate, UNICEF India 2020

Ayushmann Khurrana joined UNICEF India as Celebrity Advocate, committing to advocate for the end of violence against children. At the virtual event, welcomed by UNICEF India Representative Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, he recited the short self-composed poem 'Jab tak zinda hai bachpan, tab tak zinda hun mein.'

Learn more in the press release: UNICEF India and Indian youth icon Ayushmann Khurrana join hands to advocate for Child Rights

 

Jab tak zinda hai bachpan, tab tak zinda hoon main,

Zameen chhoote, aakash mein ik udta parinda hoon main.

Vartamaan mein jo maujood hai, woh bashinda hoon main.

Bhavishya ki naa sochta, naa sharminda hoon main.

Kisi seema mein naa bandh paaya, beinteha hoon main.

Jab tak zinda hai bachpan, tab tak zinda hoon main.

Ayushmann Khurrana in a UNICEF t-shirt speaking to camera with the Hindi subtitle "Jab tak zinda hai bachpan, tab tak zinda hoon main" — meaning "As long as childhood lives, so do I."
UNICEF UNICEF India rep Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, welcome virtually, where he recites the lines, ‘Jab tak zinda hai bachpan, tab tak zinda hun mein’.

Social Media Posts

Ayushmann Khurrana, as National Ambassador UNICEF India, speaking to camera in a black UNICEF polo shirt with the subtitle "it's so simple and easy to transform the world we see."
Ayushmann Khurrana in a black UNICEF polo shirt smiling warmly at the camera with the text overlay "This World Children's Day."
An NDTV video still of Ayushmann Khurrana, identified as Actor & National Ambassador UNICEF India, speaking on the topic of stress-busting, wearing a black UNICEF polo shirt.
UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana sitting cross-legged on the floor with a group of young people in a community centre, with the subtitle "Who is hacking me?" suggesting a discussion on online safety.
Ayushmann Khurrana wearing glasses and a blue jacket, smiling warmly at the camera with the subtitle "promise" — likely part of UNICEF India's #PromiseToChildren campaign.
Ayushmann Khurrana in a black UNICEF t-shirt and sunglasses making a Namaste gesture against a blue UNICEF backdrop, with the subtitle "have been part of this journey."
Ayushmann Khurrana in a black jacket and white t-shirt smiling warmly, with the subtitle "For the Paralympics Team of India" against a tropical plant backdrop.
Ayushmann Khurrana in a black UNICEF t-shirt speaking into a microphone at an indoor event, with the Hindi subtitle 'Samaj humara Yuva hai,' and several people seated behind him."
A Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance quote graphic featuring a circular portrait of Ayushmann Khurrana and his quote on the importance of life-saving immunisations for children, on an orange background.
Ayushmann Khurrana's X (Twitter) post retweeting UNICEF India's International Day of the Girl 2024 message, featuring a collage of four young girls holding placards with messages about safety, strength, voice, and equality.
Ayushmann Khurrana and Gauranshi Sharma, a 16-year-old Deaf badminton champion and UNICEF Youth Advocate, shown signing in a white UNICEF t-shirt against a blue UNICEF backdrop, with a second frame of her playing badminton captioned 'Indian deaf woman badminton player.
Tweet by Ayushmann Khurrana praising the song 'LiFE' by Ricky Kej, quote-tweeting a UNICEF India post from December 3, 2023, that features animated characters Chanu, Arjun and Priya as young Agents of Change, with a video thumbnail titled 'LiFE: Agents of Change.

Videos