Gandhigiri hits Hollywood

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) After Bollywood, Gandhigiri seems to have hit Hollywood as well.

Hollywood diva Angelina Jolie, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Refugees, finds the Indian tradition of peace and non-violence in the backdrop of many cultures, religions and languages as ''commenmdable'' and ''rare.'' The Hollywood star, who had an hour-long meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma at the majestic Hyderabad House here today, said India's tradition of accommodating so many refugees, despite having many problems of its own, was ''commendable.'' Ms Jolie. dresssed in a black chiffon overall with a floral printed stoll loosely hung around shoulders, described her meeting with Mr Sharma as ''wonderful'', saying she was very grateful to Indian people for accommodating so many refugees.

''It is very rare and commendable that you have many problems of your own. Yet India is so gracious and open to so many refugees...,'' she told reporters.

Mr Sharma said both had agreed that Mahatma Gandhi's principles of peace and non-violence continued to be very much relevant even today.

''We discussed the Indian tradition and Mahatma Gandhi's principles of peace and non-violence which continue to be very much relevent even today,'' he said.

He said they had held detailed discussions on the plight of refugees, particularly women and children in refugee camps.

He lauded the role played by Angelina Jolie for refugees in a ''conflict-ridden'' world.

Ms Jolie said they had agreed to work together for the welfare of refugees around the world .

''It is an honour for me to work for children who have become orphans...There are many, many needs for your own people...'' she added.

MORE UNI RB VD KP1520