26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

17th May 2009 at Red Cross Grounds Darjeeling

26th Candlelight AIDS Memorial

Dear Friends

Please be informed that Shanker Foundation together with the rest of the Darjeeling NGO Network members have decided that the 26th Candlelight AIDS Memorial will be held at the Red Cross Building Grounds on 17th May 2009 at 5:30 pm. This is the first initiative by the Foundation in holding the Memorial so it will be a small affair and as you all know that election results will be out on 16th May so it is unlikely that a walk around the town can be organised. There are plans to have a "Sarva Dharma" prayer session and a candle light memorial.

All are invited to join and show their solidairty.

Update May 2009

Silence is Golden - The Bard

Silence is a form of Violence - Rage Against The Machine

Its been a long time that I have not updated Shanker Foundation DjNP+ activities. The foundation has been continuing its care and support activities; awareness activities and fighting for rights for PLWHIVs whenever needed. These seem regular updates and maybe thats why I have not emailed any updates yet. When I just run through the activities it feels that one is repeating oneself and nothing new or creative is happening. But, when I reflect, its not the same: there are new members in the DjNP+, awareness is being conducted with new communities; and the fight for rights have new dimensions and spaces. The reflection is also not from an update on the details of these activities (I promise there will be more updates soon) but the real realisation is that we have miles to go before a conducive socio-ecological environment is established in the Darjeeling Hills. An environment which is all inclusive of PLHIVs. To reach this state one needs to have the conviction and dedication to continue with the programmes with enthusiasm that each day is a new day and each programme is a new programme even though the story is the same and the song remains the same. Hopefully one day each of these new drops will add up to be the ocean.

I believe this update comes at an opportune moment at time of elections in Darjeeling with a hope that this election will bring about a political will inclusive of PLHIVs.

regards

Roshan

The Positive Calendar - January 2009

Here's the January - February page for those of you who cannot get the original copy!
Have a great new year!
warm regards
Samir