International Candlelight Memorial 2012

20th May, 2012 - Chowrasta,  Darjeeling
The 2012 International Candle lightmemorial service was observed by Shanker Foundation, Darjeeling Network ofPositive People with the support of Friends of Shanker Foundation and the citizens of Darjeeling.

Sona Rana Subba, a friend of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ welcomed thepeople present at Chowrasta for the Candlelight Memorial while Shankermani Rai, Secretary of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ gave a brief description of why theInternational Candlelight Memorial is observed and briefly introduced the vision, mission and existing activities of the Foundation.

Sona Rana and Nisha Chettri, a counselor of Shankerfoundation read about the Candlelight Memorial both in English and Nepali. Here is the excerpt from that reading - “The International AIDS CandlelightMemorial being planned for Darjeeling is part of a larger, global campaign,coordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV, one of the world’soldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness inthe world. Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every thirdSunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organizationsin 115 countries hosting local memorials to honor the lives lost and raisesocial consciousness about HIV. The Candlelight Memorial is also much more thanjust a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policyadvocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilization skills. With33 million people living with HIV today, the Candlelight Memorial continues toserve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking downbarriers, and giving hope to new generations”.

Differentreligious leaders from the Japanese temple, local Hindu temples, the churches and members of the Brahma Kumaris andManav UthanSewa Samity conducted a solidarity and prayer service during the program. Bhajans and hymns were also chanted by the members of Mahakal Mandir Committee and theyouths of Sacred Heart Church.The candlelight ceremony was started after the lighting of lamps by religiousleaders and followed by all the participants who lit the candles and placed itin a shape of the AIDS symbol.

A local Gospel band, Soul Winner, performed for the people  to create awareness among the youth on the importance of observing the International Candlelight Memorial Day and also for the acceptance of PLHAs in our communities. The participants werepresented from different CBOs, NGOs, FBOs and Govt. organizations.  The lighting ceremony was started at 4: PM and and ended at 8pm with vote of thanks from the Foundation.

Kurseong
The Candle light memorial service at Kurseongwas observed by the staff of Shanker Foundation, Mr. D.K. Subba, supported bythe staff of the local Hospital at the Sub-Divisional Hospital premises, Kurseong.

The program was started by Mr.D.K  subba by welcoming participants in the program. He also spoke on the present scenario and background of the Shanker Foundation. He read about the Candle light memorial service and requested the participants to pay their homage to the victims of HIV/AIDS by lighting candles.

Members of the local Sai Samity conducted a solidarity and prayer service and also chanted bhajans in the  memory of those who have died of AIDS and also requested all the participants to pray for their soul to rest in peace. Participants consisted of members from local CBOs and NGOs of Kurseong.

regards
Shanker Foundation Team