By Sahil Makkar, IANS

Parvati Khan, a pop sensation of the 1980s, says god has now chosen her to be an envoy of peace.

Parvati, who made her debut with the popular song "Jimmy Jimmy aaja aaja" in the 1980s film "Disco Dancer", now mostly performs 'satsang' (religious discourses) in prisons with their inmates.

She has held such sessions in the Byculla, Arthur Road, Thane and Kalyan jails in Maharashtra as well as in New Delhi's Tihar Jail. She also held 'satsangs' in prisons in Lucknow and Varanasi.

"Even at the beginning of my career as pop artist, I felt deeply about problems that afflict the country and began composing for the cause of peace, unity and national integration," Parvati told IANS.

"After a rigorous 'tapasya' ... and abstaining from the material things, there has come about a special aura of holiness and purity to my mission, elevating my purpose to one of a true messenger of god.

"I am planning to record and release my music globally for the cause and do a world tour to spread the message and seek a presentation before heads of state of all-important countries."

The singer, who performed her song of peace appeal "Down With The Guns", at the UN General Assembly last year, says she met former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, former New York city mayor Rudolph Guiliani, senator Hillary Clinton and pop star Michael Jackson in her quest for global peace and unity.

She also plans to travel wherever her service may be of use to serve the poor and downtrodden.

"I was not comfortable to fit into industry norms and decided to quit professional singing. Now I am thrilled with my new work and have no regrets of retiring from the commercial career."