Miss Universe 2006 to visit India in October

New Delhi, Jul 26: Newly-crowned Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico will work her charm on Indians to spread AIDS awareness during a visit to the country in October.

'Get tested for AIDS, it's in fashion', will be message of Ms Mendoza, who will begin her 18-day visit with a ramp show in the capital on October 23.

''Hours into her reign an excited Zuleyka Rivera expressed her keen desire to visit Asia and spread the message the Miss Universe Organisation espouses,'' according to Indian-born US fashion designer Sanjana Jon, who is organising the 12-city tour.

The Miss Universe feels that India is one of the countries that needs special attention on AIDS awareness, says Jon, who brought Miss Universe 2005 Natalie Glebova to India last year.

''I am also very excited to tour the Universe as part of the causes attached to the pageant, and I am told I would be going to India in a few months. I am so keenly looking to come there,'' Jon quoted Ms Mendoza as saying.

The new Miss Universe, who described her victory as ''surreal'', says it had been a ''dream run'' for her in the competition.

Joining the Miss Universe in her efforts in India will be Bollywood actor Salman Khan, NGOs and a group of models and performers from the US.

The Miss Universe will be visiting New Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkatta and Guwahati, says Jon.

''It all begins with being aware of your status. And this is what the tour propagates through its message: Get tested for AIDS, it's in fashion','' says Jon, who along with her brother and celebrated designer Anand Jon are based in Los Angeles.

The Miss Universe and her group will be using the medium of fashion, music and lifestyle event platform to communicate with the young and impressionable, she adds.

According to the National Aids Control Organisation estimates, 5.2 million Indians are infected with HIV. AIDS awareness campaigns are a high priority for government and several NGOs in combating the epidemic.

UNI