Shakira Says She Follows Mahatma Gandhi’s Maxim  Shakira |
Pop singer Shakira was awarded for her work to promote social justice and the advancement of children worldwide by International Labour Organisation (ILO) on Wednesday.
Shakira during her thanks speech claimed that her source of the inspiration is India’s Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The singer quoted, "Gandhi used to say 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' and I've followed that maxim."
The 33-year old singer dedicated her prize to all children suffering from violence and extreme poverty. The Columbian singer runs a non-profit organisation called ‘Barefoot Foundation’ which focuses to provide education to the needy and poor children.
The award was handed out by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia who said: "Your friend (82-year-old Colombian novelist Gabriel) Garcia Marquez maintains that 'sometimes wisdom comes to us when it can no longer do any good'; that didn't happen with you."
Juan Somavia added, “Shakira is an example to follow and an inspiration for all of us."
"Your youthful wisdom and social consciousness were put to good use very early on. You resolved to be a catalyst for change, to help children escape the grip of poverty through education, to bring back dreams and hope to lives scarred by the trauma of violence and displacement," he quoted.
The Colombian singer responded by saying, "Investing in a child means investing in our collective future. A child who receives quality education, nutrition and care early in life will have higher earnings, better health, stronger relationships and higher productivity throughout his or her life as an adult."
The singer added, “Witnessing extreme poverty as a girl shaped my dream and my vision of social justice: 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 pursue their dreams.”
