No more read ribbon: Political Movement of People with HIV in India

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POLITICAL MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE WITH HIV IN INDIA-

Bangaloreuniversity, counselling

NO MORE RED RIBBON: A STRONG POLITICAL MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE WITH HIV

IN INDIA

The Karavali Positive Women and Children Network in collaboration

with the Center for Psychological Counselling, Bangalore University,

organized an HIV National Convention at Siddalingeshwara Kalyana

Mantapa, Banashankari III Stage, Bangalore, on 1 and 2 Oct 2005. The

first day was attended by over 1200 HIV infected and affected

people, and professionals representing Government and Non-government

organizations and the media.

The highlight of the first day was focused group discussions

involving people with HIV, where they discussed their needs and

concerns. The outcomes of these discussions were a list of

resolutions brought out by the participants.

A march was organized in the afternoon by HIV affected people, who

took to the streets holding up their demands and resolutions on

banners. The march took place on the Banashankari 100ft Ring Road

between Kamakya Theater and Devegowda Petrol Bunk. The students of

the Prarthana School also joined in the march.

A large six-foot red ribbon was destroyed to symbolize the first

resolution of the convention. The purpose of this being to remove

the social stigma, labeling and sense of finality related to HIV.

Smt. Veenadhari announced that all organizations working for HIV affected people

must stop using the symbol of the red-ribbon in one month's time.

The inauguration on day one of the convention was presided over by

Dr. M S Thimmappa, Vice Chancellor, Bangalore University and

inaugurated by Mr. Ravi Belagere, Hi Bangalore. Smt. Veenadhari,

Convener, Karavali Positive Women and Children Network welcomed the

gathering and spoke about the objectives of the convention.

The chief guest, Ms. Anju Singh, Coordinator, Joint Action Council Kannur (JACK

India), New Delhi addressed the gathering. Rev Fr Kannanthanam,

Director, Sumanahalli Society delivered the vote of thanks.

On the second day, the dignitaries present on the dais were Smt.

Sumithra Gandhi Kulkarni, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, Smt.

Veenadhari, Smt Kaushalya, Sri. Ravi Belagere and Sri. Purushothaman

Dr. M S Thimmappa, Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, in his

Presidential address, said that each individual is interconnected to

everything in nature around himself, and as a result he is never

alone. We are responsible for this virus as we are contaminating the

earth, and therefore the connection between man and nature has been

contaminated. The treatment of any individual needs to be holistic,

as health means a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, we need

to call upon our own inner resources to deal with this disease.

While addressing the gathering, Ms. Anju Singh spoke about the

stigma attached to HIV and AIDS, and the adverse effects and influence of the

media in certain circumstances. Further, she expressed appreciation to the

organizers of the event and wished that the convention would be a success. She

stressed the need for addressing the needs of people with HIV, as HIV first

affects the human spirit, then human relationships, and ultimately the fabric of

society. She also stated that the effect that it has on the self- esteem of

people is the most primary issue to be dealt with. She said that she hopes that

this convention is a platform to celebrate the human spirit.

Mr. Purushothaman, General Convenor of JACKINDIA, New Delhi, spoke

of the example of the level of discrimination against people with HIV and the

stigma that developed in Chochi village in Haryana, and the difficulty and

effort that went into fighting this discrimination.

Referring to the fact that the convention was being held on the

birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, he said that he had visited all the

places where Gandhi had spent his time, in an attempt to understand

and imbibe some of the spirit of this great legend of the

20th century. Laying claim on Gandhi's emphasis on truth, he

declared that HIV would be driven out of this country within two years, and

urged the delegates to resolve that they would not succumb to the negative

message of HIV for these two years, promising that thereafter, no one in this

country would die from HIV/AIDS.

Smt. Sumithra Gandhi Kulkarni, in her address as Chief Guest,

remembered Mahatma Gandhi as the Father of our nation and reminded

the participants that emotional bonds being superior to physical

bonds – each one of the participants had as big, if not bigger,

claim to Gandhi than her. She congratulated the participants in expressing

their solidarity by keeping aside their fear and hesitation and attending this

meet. She added that several years back, people were afraid of TB, but it is not

so now. She said that people could face anything, including a life with HIV,

with self confidence.

She mentioned the need to promote, develop and research indigenous methods of

medicine. She also said that it is necessary to develop a

holistic concept including a positive outlook, self confidence and

maintenance of good food habits.

Dr Sudha Bhogle, Coordinator, Center for Psychological Counselling,

Bangalore University, stated that `This is the first convention of

its kind, organised by and for HIV positive persons, bringing

together and networking over 1500 HIV positive persons'. She added

that the Center for Psychological Counselling, Bangalore University

will conduct a Personality Development Programme for HIV affected

children on 14 and 15 November this year as part of the Children's

Day programmes.

In her welcome address, Ms. Veenadhari, the Organizing Secretary of

the convention emphasised that the rights of HIV positive

individuals have to be protected specially in the area of health care, education

and occupation.

She also added that there is stigma attached to the red ribbon used as a symbol

of AIDS, and a lot of injustice done to people with HIV.

She urged the participants to voice out concerns in national and international

platforms and to develop solidarity among themselves. She asserted, " We have to

learn that we are not alone, and with courage, let us assert that we are no

less, we should not be

discriminated against. "

Dr Romate , Senior Counselling Psychologist at the Centre for

Psychological Counselling, and Social Activist said that this is the

first movement in South Asia, and the outcome of the convention will

have a significant impact on the society as a whole. HIV positive

people must gain political power and involve themselves in policy

making; only then their current socio political issues can be

addressed.

There should be a national movement to gain political power. There is a need for

formulating a Social Activists' support group. The red ribbon that stands as a

symbol for HIV should be removed, and people with HIV should be given an equal

treatment in society. Further, he said that it was landmark event in the history

of India that Thousands of HIV positive attended a public convention and took a

stand to see that their rights were protected.

Mr Ravi Belegare from Hi Bangalore, in his Welcome address, said

that no disease should take away man from society, take away his rights, or

discriminate him from others. HIV should be discussed like any other disease or

disorder, with no fear. He appreciated the efforts made by Veenadhari in coming

out in the open and networking with people with HIV.

He declared that by March 15th 2006, a 100 bed multispeciality hospital, meant

specifically to cater to the physical

and psychological needs of people with HIV, will be opened. He also

said that though Karnataka stands fifth with regard to the highest

number of HIV positive individuals, it should be the first in

initiating prevention programmes and organizing participatory meets

for people with HIV.

Therefore, the needs of the people with HIV have to be expressed so that

appropriate programmes may be initiated. He urged the participants to love life

have hope and think positively.

In the vote of thanks, Fr Kannanthanam appreciated the

institutions and organizations involved in organizing the convention

and expressed his regard towards Veenadhari's will power and

courage.

He stated that the reason for this convention was to convey to the

people with HIV that they have the support of the people and

therefore they could express their concerns.

For further details, contact Center for Psychological Counselling,

at +91-80-23211486 or log on to

www. bangaloreuniversitycounselling. com

Cross posted from: indiathinkersnet

[indiathinkersnet]

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