john abraham has signed on to be the face of the 'I Pledge' campaign organised by Smita Thackeray's Mukti Foundation. Says John, "She messaged me asking if I wanted to be the face of the campaign. I immediately agreed as I found it credible. Mukti Foundation has been doing it for 11 years. Sometimes there's a sense of discomfort for people living with AIDS or HIV affected people, so Mukti is opening up special counselling centers for them."

The actor has already kick-started the campaign by shooting a commercial. "I will come wherever they call me to talk about the subject and propagate safe sex. I want to tell everyone, especially the youth, that we need to have safe sex and wear condoms.

As a public figure, I felt that it was time for us to pledge for an AIDS-free life. I have pledged and want others to follow the same. We will make that difference with our commitment. I want the youth to pledge to practice safe sex, to be faithful to partners, get tested for HIV, spread awareness, use new syringes and not visit commercial sex workers."

Smita Thackeray says, "john abraham seemed the perfect choice. I wanted a youth icon to take the same pledge I had taken (to eradicate HIV) and encourage our youth to do the same."