Ashok Pillai left us seven years ago

[Guest guest]

Ashok Pillai's Seventh Anniversary

Seven years has passed since you left Ashok – it is another April, the end of

spring- a hot day with dust storm reminding the harsh summer ahead.

The reality is that every year I sit down to write a note to you, I end up

writing a note about what you stood– being an AIDS activist.

People like you made speaking up for the issue feel simple yet professional.

This year this note is to rekindle the activism– to remind people that activism

is the spirit to ensure that the efforts towards addressing the HIV epidemic is

strengthened ( yeah it is the same thing the national program on AIDS is trying

too). But the speaking up cannot stop, acting up cannot stop!

So instead of asking people to light a candle remembering you Ashok (I know it

warms many heart to light a candle) – I ask everyone in HIV field to do one

thing this month for the people living with HIV (this is a large field with many

players, much power and politics).

If you are a positive person – speak up for the rights of people living with

HIV. I am sure each of us working in the field knows what the best we can do. I

am not trying to keep you alive Ashok – you need to rest in peace. Need is to

keep the activism alive – friends please find your spark and light your own

spirit – be an activist – be an advocate.

For all the activists who had managed to keep your activism – I bow in respect –

please continue to be the activist!

For those of you don't know Ashok Pillai – He was an activist who the founder

member and served as the President of Indian Network for People Living with HIV

and AIDS. Ashok never lost a chance to speak up for the cause of people living

with HIV – he knew no fear.

He passed away in April 19, 2002.

A friend of Ashok