Religious leaders Forum on HIV/AIDS in West Bengal

[Guest guest]

Hello Forum,

At a time when Bula Di has brought WBSACS in forum discussion room, yet another

piece of information where we would require you inputs.

FAITH HEALS, DON’T YOU THINK SO?....LAUNCH OF FORUM OF RELIGIOUS

LEADERS/INSTITUTIONS FOR HIV/AIDS PREVENTION IN WEST BENGAL. 21st May,2005.

Religious leaders are key to mitigating the epidemic because they are trusted

and respected members of society and are influential in shaping social values

and public opinion. .

Thus The West Bengal State AIDS Prevention and Control Society directed efforts

to reach out to the Faith based leaders/institutions through an Inter-Sectoral

meet on HIV/AIDS Prevention for Religious leaders at 10.00 a.m on 21st May ,2005

at Taj Bengal.

The composition of religious communities in West Bengal %wise is :

Hindus-74.72%, Muslims-23.61%,Christians-0.56%,Sikhs-0.08%,Buddhists-0.3% and

Jains-0.05% and Others-0.68%. Thus the meet was attended by attended by

members from Gospel Mission of India, Hyderabad, other prominent Hindu/ Muslim/

Christian/ Jain and other religious leaders from the eastern zone. The meet was

also attended by members from Partner NGOs and had presentations by Rev. Bishop

Raju, Bishop of Kolkata, Mr ph Edelheit, Rabbi, Director of Jewish Studies,

St Cloud University, St Cloud, MN, Representative from Gospel Mission of India,

Hyderabad , Ms. Shultz, US Consulate, Kolkata Office.

The meet discussed inter faith issues related to HIV / AIDS and facilitated the

setting up of an action plan for a multisectoral approach to the problem in West

Bengal.

The workshop had a higher participation of leaders from the Muslim community who

had never been exposed to any such prior initiative .

The Society was rather privileged and confident in taking up an initiative like

this with the presence and active participation for the inaugural session and

interactive workshop of representatives from all religious communities namely:

· Swami Jitatmananda Maharaj, Vivekananda Research Institute

· Maulana Siddiqula Choudhari , Jamate Ulema Hind

· Abu Talib Rehmani, Chief Spokesperson to the Shahi Masjid

· Rabbi ph Edelheit

· Father Reginel Fernandes, Spiritual Advisor to Arch Bishop, Kolkata

· Venerable M Shreethamma Thera Secretary Mahabodhi Sopciety,

· His Holiness Swami Paramananda from ISCKON Society

· Mr Amar V Agarwala, Marwari Community

· Manjit Singh, Sikh Community

· Reverend Bishop Raju

· Sir S A , Gospel Mission of India, Hyderabad

The President, WBSAPCS and Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Govt.

of West Bengal Dr K K Bagchi, honoured the occasion by his presence and

participation as the Chief Guest for the day.

Such forums become a good platform to deliberate on the often unspoken and yet

vital beliefs, practices and myths that govern our society and enlist

cooperation of vital stakeholders in HIV / AIDS prevention and interventions for

as the tagline for the initiative says FAITH HEALS…DON’T YOU THINK SO?

Inputs on taking the initiative forward are invited from the Forum members.

Menka Jha

NGO Advisor, WBSAPCS.

E-mail: <menkajha7@...>

[Guest guest]

Hello Forum Partners,

It is good to know that the meeting was organised for faith based community

(West Bangal on 21st May).

Certainly, the meeting must have given good result, religious persons coming in

the name of AIDS control programmes is the best beginning. Infact it should have

initiated long time back. Religious leaders are respeted in the Society, they

are representative of

religious organisation, therefore, these leaders can interpret scriptures and

relegious teachings in relation with HIV/AIDS prospective.

Religious centre,(Churches, temple,Mandir and other multy purpose Halls) should

be use for awareness programme and also for caring to AIDS patients.

Each religion teach about love,care,share the resources, be honest with sexual

partners,do not be judgemental if a person is sick with Aids. one should not say

that the AIDS infection is he sesult of his/her Bad Karma (Action),

Infact the religions have failed to do its duty in teaching relious principles.

Now the time has come to join with Medical, Social and Medial groups to control

HIV/AIDS.

For a long time The SEARCH, the NGO I am associated with in Pune has been

working with religious groups in maharashtra.

Also, I have written a Book on HIV/AIDS from a Christian perspective. AIDS:

Biblical Resources and Christion Responsilbility. Price Rs.150/. If any one is

interested in this book please send Rs.150-Plus.Rs.20 for postal charges. This

is in English. pages 200. My post address is:

Rev.S.M.Chandorikar

HIV/AIDS Mission

SEARCH

A/1 prince of Wales Drive, Pune 411001

Maharashtra ,India.

Ph.+91 20 26331538, Mobile 91- 9890836530

E-mail: <searchsmc@...>