Aishwarya Rai was recognished her contribution to diversity by European Union, along with Hollywood actor Jackie Chan.

‘Global Diversity Award‘ was presented to former Miss World and a Hollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, at a one-day conference on ‘Celebrating Diversity in the European Union‘ at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.

Keith Vaz MP and Co-Chair of the conference, had said “Aishwarya Rai is a symbol of what Asian women can achieve and a real international symbol for diversity,” and further added that the conference will help the EU to “refocus our goals and inspire the minds of leading individuals across Europe.”

“We are in dire need of a fresh approach to integration and of finding inspiration in a diverse environment which recognizes and nurtures the talents of all people within our great European community, regardless of religion, culture or ethnicity,” Keith Vaz said.

After receiving the award Aishwarya Rai told “It is very humbling. I shall cherish this award for all times to come.”

Aishwarya Rai thanked the Indian community “for supporting me in all my ventures.”

“I will also like to thank God and people at large for appreciating my contribution, particularly as a woman and as an Asian,” delighted Aishwarya Rai said.

Indian Superstar Shahrukh Khan and Canadian singer Bryan Adams are participating with Aishwarya Rai in Reach Out to Asia‘ - a fund raiser for Asia’s poor and underprivileged.

The function is scheduled to held on November 16th at Qatar’s capital Doha.

The programe is to help out the Asian countries that face serious social and economic difficulties - widespread poverty, natural disasters and epidemics.

Aishwarya Rai gets one more honour - this time from the British Government!

As the Indian press continues to hammer at Aishwarya Rai, one more international honour has come her way - the British government’s The Next Step World Diversity Champion award.

The award, to be given by the British foreign office on Nov 24 this year, was instituted to honour individuals who have encouraged pride in being a member of the ethnic minority community as well as a stronger sense of personal fulfilment.

The award, in collaboration with the Next Steps Foundation, is considered a prestigious step ahead for Ash in the international arena.

She is expected to address issues related to ethnicity at the conference in November, where the other speakers are expected to be former US secretary of state Colin Powell and actor Jackie Chan.

Says the actress: “I think it’s a great honour. Today beauty has come to be defined by many other far more profound qualities than looks and posture. I hope people would stop holding my looks against me and labelling me giggly and frivolous.

“Look at Angelina Jolie. I think she’s so gorgeous… and so real. She’s a student of yoga and she works for the United Nations. She’s a complete personality, and illustrates what feminine beauty means in the new millennium.”

Murli Manohar, who’s the producer of Ash’s much talked about Provoked and also a prominent spokesperson of the Indian community in London, says the award is vital to her image as a fashion icon.

“She’s no longer considered just a beauty queen. And I think her role of the real-life battered wife in ‘Provoked’ has something to do with her growing image as a spokesperson for Indian women. The fact that she’ll be honoured at the ‘Next Step For The Next Europe Conference’ where the speakers will be former US secretary of state Colin Powell and Jackie Chan speaks volumes of Ash’s reach as an Asian icon.

“Jackie Chan was chosen for the award some time ago for the same reason as Ash: they both represent the glamorous face of Asian entertainment while championing the cause of their country and gender.”