Poonawalla’s speech at the House of Lords touched upon art as a vehicle of change and how it can encourage collective action…reports Asian Lite News
Michelle Poonwalla was presented the Shiromani Award on June 25 for her contribution to the field of art. The NRI Institute who presented the award to her celebrated their 33rd anniversary with a two-day gala celebration.
Poonawalla also unveiled her digital short film Reserve at the JMS Foundation Charity Gala Dinner. Her digital film highlights water scarcity as an impending global crisis and looks to increase awareness about the issue. Poonawalla’s speech at the House of Lords touched upon art as a vehicle of change and how it can encourage collective action.
The Shiromani Award was instituted in 1977 and has been bestowed on Mother Teresa, Chief Marshal Manekshaw, Raj Kapoor, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, PT Usha, Leander Paes, Vishwanathan Anand, The Dalai Lama, Jaya Bachchan and Asha Bhosle in the past. In addition to Poonawalla, this year’s Shiromani Award was also presented to Shri Sadhu Bhramvihari, Lord Rami Ranger, Rita Hunduja Chhabria, Dr. Kamel Hothi OBE and Falguni Shane Peacock.
“Art is one of the most valuable resources that we share universally. It is an international language across borders, cultures, political differences and age. As an artist I like to support social and ecological causes, from the Elephant Parade in India and the UK, to the Tiger Parade in Singapore and India. Art is a powerful tool to support social causes within a community. I hope my film Reserve will bring attention to the world’s water scarcity issue. I am also deeply honoured and humbled that I have been chosen as an awardee of the prestigious Shiromani Award and to have been given the opportunity to speak at the House of Lords.” Michelle Poonawalla
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