The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : `Let us talk about HIV/AIDS'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 28, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

`Let us talk about HIV/AIDS'

Staff Reporter

Miss Universe calls for more awareness in tune with `changing times'

ALL EARS AND SMILES: Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera sends out an AIDS awareness message in the presence of cine stars (from left) Ramya Krishna, Venkatesh and Suhasini Maniratnam at a fashion show in Hyderabad on Friday . — PHOTO: P. V. Sivakumar .

HYDERABAD: Things are fast changing nowadays, at least for Gen Next. This is what even Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera felt while on a visit to Hyderabad on Friday as part of a HIV/AIDS awareness tour. "With due respect to everyone's religion and beliefs, I think that things are changing for young people like me. We have to be realistic about the situation of our generation," Ms. Rivera.

Giving an example from her personal life, she told reporters that her parents always "advised her on the good and bad" aspects of life, leaving the decision of making the choice on her.

She said that it is time that the issue of HIV/AIDS is spoken about.

However, with a disclaimer: "I am not here to promote sex, but knowledge and awareness about it."

Benefit tour

This HIV/AIDS awareness tour has been organised by IG International to raise awareness about the disease.

The organisation has been conducting this benefit tour for the last four years along with fashion designer and social activist Sanjana Jon and current Miss Universe titleholders in association with Taj Hotels.

As part of this year's itinerary, Miss Universe has already visited Mumbai. Other cities include Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Goa. Kerala is also on her itinerary.

The 19-year-old Ms. Rivera hails from Puerto Rico and was crowned Miss Universe on July 23.

An aspiring actress, she hopes to distinguish herself with determination, courage and self-confidence -- three traits she feels have defined her as a young woman.

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