Calcutta: The cricket field of Eden Gardens was witness to a noble initiative on Friday. A timely one as well.

Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar used the IPL platform to promote his social campaign MARD — Men Against Rape and Discrimination.

“I want to thank the BCCI and the Sony TV for giving me the platform to promote the cause… It is something that involves and affects all of us… We must get involved in such a cause and help to create a better and healthy environment in the society,” Farhan said.

The director-turned-actor said: “We need to focus on the basics… If we groom ourselves, it will go a long way in grooming our near and dear ones. It will help them to think differently. It will help all of us to think about gender equality, think about respect towards women.”

“We can incorporate some values in our own lives… It is important to teach the youngsters, because they are going to be opinion-makers in the future,” he said.