Request for tax excemption for Phir Milenge

August 31, 2004

Dear FORUM,

Effective use of mass media in fighting the second epidemic- stigma and

discrimination Request for declaring the Hindi commercial cinema ‘Phir Milenge’

tax free (exempted from entertainment tax)

I believe that in the battle for containment of HIV/AIDS, the pertinent issue of

stigma and discrimination of the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has emerged

as practically a second epidemic in addition to the rampant prejudice and

misconception about the related issues. It is vitally important to involve all

in the society at large in making sustained efforts through specifically

directed pursuits towards amelioration of stigma and discrimination of PLWHA and

safeguarding of their rights.

Proper dissemination of correct and scientific information, sensitization and

advocacy about the rights of PLWHA must be a major activity for any person or

organization working for the containment of HIV/AIDS.

The mainstream Hindi movie Phir Milenge does full justice to the cause and may

emerge as an effective tool in the generation of awareness, dissemination of

appropriate and correct information and attitudinal change towards the PLWHA.

I would request the concerned authorities in the Union and state governments to

kindly use their good offices in getting the movie exempted from

entertainment tax and being declared TAX FREE so that a larger number of people

may be benefited by viewing the sensitive and sensible movie focusing on the

important aspects of attitudes and behaviour towards the PLWHA which will

definitely facilitate inter alia, tackling stigma and discrimination against

people living with HIV/AIDS.

=====

Dr.Rajesh Gopal,

MBBS(AIIMS)MD(PATH)

IMMUNOLOGY(DST-SERC SCHOOL OF GOVT.OF INDIA )at the

DEPTT. OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY(SGPGIMS),LUCKNOW

Deputy Director,

Gujarat State AIDS Control Society,

O/1Block,New M.H.Complex,

Meghaninagar,Ahmedabad(Gujarat)PIN 380016 (INDIA)

Phone (O) 079-22680211--12--13,22685210 Fax 079-22680214

E-mail: <dr_rajeshg@...>

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