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