Bollywood’s pretty actress Preity Zinta, known for associating herself with social causes, has been officially appointed.
As a goodwill ambassador in India for the Joint United Nations Program ‘UNAIDS.’
The actress signed a confirmation letter affirming her role as UNAIDS ambassador at the United Nations office in Delhi.
On Thursday, where coordinator for UNAIDS in India Charles Gilks presented Preity with the Red Ribbon an official symbol of fight against HIV/AIDS.
As an ambassador for the UNAIDS, the actress will be promoting awareness on HIV prevention, cure, treatment and support, focusing mainly on women, children and the oppressed.
“I will be the voice for the voiceless. I see my appointment as a great opportunity to bring the realities faced.
By people living with HIV to the forefront and to call attention to the injustices faced by them,” said feisty actress.
Preity’s IPL team to be part of the initiative Pretty Bollywood lass also revealed that her IPL team Kings XI Punjab will also take part in the program to spread AIDS awareness. The Kings XI Punjab’s players will be sporting red ribbons during the IPL matches to show their support for the cause.
The team’s captain Kumar Sangakkara is already known to be associated with the UNAIDS campaign in his homeland Sri Lanka. “In our next match, a person living with HIV will toss the coin. This is to send across an important message that we shouldn't discriminate against people living with HIV,” announced Preity.
A short film on HIV/AIDS awareness As part of the initiative the actress will also work in a public service short film on HIV/AIDS. The film will be made in Hindi, Punjabi and English to spread information on the infection. Preity will also be travelling to rural areas starting from Punjab to make people aware of how to keep the deadly disease at bay.
She will also try to encourage people to be no-judgmental towards drug users, female sex workers and homosexuals. "Bringing change requires a change in the hearts and minds of people. I will try to be the voice of the voiceless. Famous people can always take an issue to the forefront," she said.