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I am so EXCITED!! For the second time I’ll be building with ex U.S. president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter for Habitat for Humanity. This time the build is in Mekong, Thailand and I will be representing the Women IndiaBUILDS team at the ASIA-PACIFIC WOMEN BUILD HOUSE along with women supporters/women celebs from New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and China.

My first encounter with Mr Carter was at the Jimmy Carter Work Project in Lonavala in 2006. His charisma and commitment to changing lives is inspiring and I think Mr Carter will long be remembered as the first U.S. president who put human rights high on his agenda.

I’m continually excited by celebrity involvement in charitable and humanitarian endeavours. It’s a WONDERFUL message to be sending out the masses.

Some people believe that charity should be silent.

I don’t agree.

The same star power that one exudes while endorsing products and tempting masses into picking up commercial brands can be used to woo and educate masses towards charity.

And I truly believe in leading by example.

Around the world and in India celebrities are increasingly showing their support by giving of their time, money and lending their name to various causes.

However a lot of people cynically believe that celebrities just lend their names, pose for photo opportunities and do nothing else for causes.

To those cynics I say, “What have you done for society and humanity?” at least those celebrities have attempted to highlight issues and inspire others to participate.

To those that ask me, what I have done over the years… well, I’ve had the privilege associating with many different charitable institutions and NGO’s. I’ve supported 6 kids every month through World Vision of India for over 10 years… supported Breast Cancer Awareness with Cancer Patients association, championed HIV/ AIDS awareness since my Kamasutra campaign in 1991, done fundraisers in aid of Street children for Plan India and Salaam Balak, attended the International Widows Conference in London where I had the pleasure of meeting Cherie Blair and Yoko Ono

… (SEEN HERE with JACKIE SHROFF, YOKO ONO, CHERIE BLAIR, RENUKA CHOWDHARY, RAJ LOOMBA)
... from education, reading programs, hand pumps, various functions for white ribbon, pink ribbon, red ribbon… the list goes on…

But the most gratifying has been building homes for 500 tribals in Mahad, Raigad, Maharashtra with Habitat for Humanity in association with the Rotary Club. These poor people had lost everything in the 2005 deluge that had paralysed Mumbai and many surrounding regions. They were living (all 500 of them) in a large tin shed. It brought tears to my eyes to see their joy at being given pucca homes that had a bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. Dignity of life and living is so important.

It’s important for critics to get off their cynical high horses and pitch in.

It’s often said, “Those who can, DO! Those that can’t, CRITICIZE!!! J

Grumbling about poverty, disease and lack of human rights in our country is pointless. Because grumbling solves nothing!!! Change lies in finding solutions and acting on them. I think it’s really important to realise that we all have the power to change the lives of others and it’s a right we must exercise.

So go out there, find something close to your heart and if you change even ONE persons life with time or money, the country will be the better and stronger for it. It’s really that simple. Reach out… and inspire others to do so too……!!!

seen here with Jimmy Carter in 2006

Tags : pooja bedi charity

Posted by Pooja Bedi in Celebrity blogs on Sun, 08 Nov, 2009 Report abuse

Comments

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Lalla Vishin: poojaji you asre very great and always inspiring. whenever i see you screen, i smply wonder how you remain so jolly . ihave not yet seen you in serious mood. widsh you a very happy and charitable life. vishib lalla mulund.

Posted on Wed, 06 Jan, 2010 Report abuse

Rohit Khurana: hey pooja... i love you.... you are so sexy... check out www.kitesmovie.co.in .. even barbara mori is looking nothing infront of you!!!! love you.. Happy New yr to you... hope to see you a lot in 2010...

Posted on Tue, 29 Dec, 2009 Report abuse

Hareesh Raao: stupid old attention seeking bimbo

Posted on Sat, 19 Dec, 2009 Report abuse

Deepali Ayetay: Hello Poja,
How are you?you are the best.

Posted on Wed, 25 Nov, 2009 Report abuse

Vijay Kotian: hiiiiiiiiiiiii poojaji hw r u ? gr8 picture

Posted on Wed, 25 Nov, 2009 Report abuse

Raghava Chaitanya: hi poja gr8