Ref: Concerns about participation of PLWHAs in conferences

[Guest guest]

Messages from Dr. S. N. Misra, Geoff Heaviside, Vijay Nair and Manoj

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Dr. S. N. Misra

Hello Kousalya,

It is indeed important to have meetings exclusively, by and for the positive

people, I repeat here, positive people and not necessarily limited to positive

networks. I know there are quite a few people who are positive but not part of

any network. But instead of satellite meetings in International conferences,

where all positive people and networks may not be represented, it would be

worthwhile to have a meeting in india itself before any such international

conference and representatives from the networks can convey the views of these

meetings in the international forum. These participation may be through rotation

so that every one has a chance to interact. The money spent in the satellite

conference in India would have better attendance and cost-effective.

Regards,

Dr. S. N. Misra

E-mail: misranaco@...

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Geoff Heaviside

Kousalya and Anand and friends,

I am trying to be very clear about what the intentions are in this post. From

Kousalya I think I am hearing a satellite meeting at the conference and I

supposed that to mean Kobe. Then I hear Anand appearing to say have it before

the conference, and in India so more people can be involved, and empower the

outcomes of the satellite meeting to be carried to the conference by elected

spokespersons. My thoughts are that we could do both. I was saddened to read

that delegates from the north east came to Pune and then were not permitted to

actively participate. It is this holier than thou attitude which disempowers

positive people and makes them subservient to convenient agendas to which token

status is accorded provided they keep their mouths shut. It has to end.

Positive Indians are as competent as any other Indians to express their views

and name their priorities. I also found professional HIV/AIDS staffers, in my

travels last year who were serving the 'industry', maintaining their control

over their portfolios and never affording the benefit of their skills to

positive people who could probably do a better job with some training than the

over worked professionals who depend on a steady stream of positive clients to

justify their position, their remuneration, and their status. That's my comment

for what it's worth. I hope to be in India again before the end of August and

also to be in Kobe in November with a quick trip to Uganda in October in

between, if my sponsors rise to the occasion. Methinks the funding agencies

will support any well constructed initiative that involves a greater

involvement of positive people. The trouble is they don't seem to get these

initiatives presented to them.

Geoffrey

E-mail: gheaviside@...

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Vijay Nair

Dear Kaushalya,

It is indeed a very good idea. Once the list of participants selected for the

forthcoming conference is out, they can inform on this list and we all can come

together and do something. Your creative idea is appreciated much.

With regards,

Vijay Nair

E-mail: godapanchi@...>

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Manoj

Dear Friends,

This is very good suggestion. I would like to add on it. In every conference if

we can distribute some collective material on Indian situation and present work,

needs to be done etc. It will be very good platform to address our issues

internationally. At least all PLWHA can discuss on this issue. Thank you PWN+

for this valuable suggestion.

Thank you

Manoj, NMP+

E-mail: nmpplus@...