Re: HIV in India and political comments by foriegners

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

If the reference to politics was based on its relation to AIDS it is very

relevant. But in the email where there was reference made to politics there was

an attempt to target one particular aspect of our political spectrum and it

escapes my rationale as to how the reference to politics in that email had

anything to do with HIV.

To infer from my email, that politics and HIV are not linked is not correct. I

agree and believe that with political will a lot can be achieved in the fight

against HIV in India. But this should be not be used as excuse by anyone,

especially by foriegners to comment and write about aspects of Indian politics

which have NO direct or proximate relationship to AIDS.

So, I stand by what I said and say it again.

We should welcome and be grateful to foreigners who are helping India fight the

scourge of Aids in India. I for one am really very grareful to such people,

including the gentleman who alluded to Indian politics.

However, a patronizing attitude, especially outside the purview of HIV/AIDS and

its proximate political process, and especially when it has no bearing on HIV

should be scorned at.

(refer to Sathi Dasgupta's posting) " We have proved ourselves - then why we as

Indians or India lovers are so defensive that we cannot swallow the slightest

deliberation about the policies and politics aurrounding HIV/AIDS? Why such

personal attacks against a person who has been involved in HIV/AIDS services in

India? To see his deliberation as trying to govern the country just like the

East Indian company did, is a joke-- one must be kidding " .

I am not sure why you think it was a personal attatck. I had nothing at stake at

personal level in that email.

I respect your opinion when you say that I must be kidding about my reference to

East India company. I must respectfully disagree with you on this.

You see, we have already starting debating on this issue because of the

unnecessary reference made about Indian govt. This is a waste of all our time

and this is exactly what will happen when people (ESPECAILLY FOREIGNERS) step

outside their agendas. And now we will need another outsider to help we Indians

(You and others who disagree and myselft and thos who agree

with me) come to a compromise.. I would NOT be surprised if this actually

happens. Now does East India comapny ring a bell!!

Thanks

Vijaybhaskar Reddy Kandula

E-mail: <emailreddy@...>