For once, the media wasn't focused on her looks or what she wore. The spotlight was on what she promised. More interestingly she swore her alliance by quoting a Sanskrit sloka.

Here are excerpts from her speech on the eve of the 67th United Nations General Assembly:

Good morning respected Secretary General,dignitaries and friends.

It is a great honour to be here today at such a symbolic event. I am a great believer in the United Nations- uniting for a better world. Unity takes courage, commitment and leadership. And this is what I am seeing and experiencing today not only with the Secretary General and dignitaries, but also with you, the next generation.

A lot has already been said today eloquently and effectively, resonating all that each of us believe in to bring and keep our world together. PEACE however, is a divine manifestation and we have to find and achieve peace within each of us and spread that around.

My father put it very simply. Man says I want peace. Well, cut your I- ego-sense of being singular and become a 'we' and 'us'. Get rid of your wants and desires and you'll find your peace. I'd like to end with a Sanskrit peace mantra.

Om sarvesha swastibhavtu, sarvesha shantibhavatu, sarvesha purbhavatu, sarvesha mangalam bhavatu, on shanti shanti shanti.

May all become fortunate

May all attain peace

May all achieve fulfillment and may all be blessed

That's a ten on ten for Ash! And here's hoping she sticks to her word and goes beyond sterotypes to spread awareness.

Text: Sify.com
Images: Sify.com/PTI