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Pratham was host to celebrated film producer and director Ismail Merchant and eminent actor Matthew Modine. They travelled from the United States, to attend special charity premiere of their latest film 'Le Divorce'. The film was viewed by the public of Mumbai, Delhi and Jaipur. The renowned veteran Indian actor Shashi Kapoor accompanied them to all three cities.
The proceeds from the screening will be utilized to further Pratham activities in India.
Prior to the screening, in all three cities, the trio addressed well attended press conferences, in which they goaded the journalists to support the cause that Pratham espouses. In the process both the film and Pratham received extensive coverage in the national dailies.
 In Mumbai, they visited Dharavi - Asia's largest slum - where Pratham works with over 1200 child labourers. In Delhi they visited some Pratham classes in the slums of Trilokpuri.The trip to Trilokpuri was curtailed due the enthusiasm of the local population. Moved by the plight and appalling circumstances of the children, Mr. Merchant made an impassioned plea to the audience in packed cinema houses and press conferences, in all three cities, to further the Pratham cause.
 Amongst those present, in Mumbai, were Ustad Zakir Hussain, U S Consul-General Angus Simmons, actor Rahul Bose, noted stage artist Dolly Thakore and a host of avid film enthusiasts. The show in Delhi was attended by the senior bureaucrats, bankers and other dignitaries.
 In Jaipur, the Chief Minister, who attended the screening with the Education Minister and several key government officials, was so impressed by the organisation's work that she requested that Pratham initiate work in her constituency at the earliest.
 On the eve of their departure, Ismail Merchant and Matthew Modine both said that they would treasure the art work gifted to them by the children and vowed to continue promoting Pratham upon their return to America. Matthew has even offered to be Pratham's goodwill ambassador in the USA.
 The Pratham family wishes to take this opportunity to express its gratitude towards Mr. Merchant, Mr. Modine, the sponsors of the shows and general public who came to see the film for a good cause.
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