SHAKIRA - TIME FOR CHANGE

Shakira goes the

Gandhian way

            Colombian singer Shakira, who was awarded a medal by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for her work to promote social justice, says she has followed Mahatma Gandhi's mexim.

         In her remarks, the singer said, "Gandhi used to say 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' and I've followed that maxim."

       Her non-profit organisation Barefoot foundation (Which takes its name from the recording artist's first album) is devoted to ensuring that education is universally available to children.

        ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said, "Your friend (82-year-old Colombian novelist Gabriel) Garcia Marquez maintains that 'sometimes wisdom comes to us when it can no lnoger do any good'; that didn't happen with you. " Interestingly, Shakira wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music for two songs that ware featured in the movie love in the Time of Cholera, based on the best-selling book of the same name written by the legendary author. Somavia added that Shakira was an example and an inspiration for everyone.

           Explaining further, Shakira said that witnessing extreme poverty as a girl shaped her dream and vision of social justice. "I wish to see a world where every child can live a dignified life with the opportunity to reap the benefits of a good education and a chance to pursute their dreams." she said.