World AIDS Day 2012 - A Report

“Working  together  for  an  AIDS free  generation”

On the occasion of World AIDS Day on 1^st Dec 2012, Shanker Foundation DjNP+ organized an awareness programme at Chowrasta Darjeeling as an opportunity for people in the hills to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

Around 2000 people attended the event. Stalls were set up by various NGO’s with banners and posters about their respective organisations. The participating NGO’s were Kripa Foundation, Child In Need Institute (CINI), Miitjyu and Shanker Foundation DjNP+. IEC materials were displayed and distributed to the visitors of the stalls. A mobile ICTC van was placed in the premises by the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Darjeeling for anyone who was willing to undergo the HIV tests. Red ribbons were distributed by volunteers of Shanker Foundation to people visiting Chowrasta to spread the awareness on HIV/AIDS.

The program began with a welcome address by Mr. Dhurba Chettri, District Program Manager, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Darjeeling. The Chief guests for the event were Mrs. Asha Gurung, Sabhasad Health Department, Gorkha Territorial Administration, Mr Amar Rai, Chairman Darjeeling Municipality, Mrs Urmila Rumba, Sabhasad, Gorkha Territorial Administration, Dr. R. Ghosh DMO, District Hospital Darjeeling, Dr. S. Bhowmick CMO, District Hospital Darjeeling, Mr. S. Das Health Secretary, Mr. K. Agarwal Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, Ms. Purnima Sherpa, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Mrs. Anuja Ghaley, President of Darjeeling NGO Network.

The guests were felicitated with khadas. The lamp lighting ceremony was conducted by Mrs. Asha Gurung followed by the release of the Shanker Foundation ‘Positive Calendar’ for the year 2013.

Mrs Asha Gurung in her speech stressed on fighting for the Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Darjeeling and assured of medical aid and setting up of a hospice in Darjeeling in the future.

Mr Dhurba Chettri elaborately spoke on HIV/AIDS: The facts, modes of transmission and ways of prevention. He also briefly outlined the network of organisations at the national, state and district level working exclusively on HIV/AIDS.

Mr Shankermani Rai, President of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ brought to light the reality of living with HIV/AIDS in Darjeeling. Contrary to our perception, people with HIV/AIDS are still discriminated in every aspect of day to day living. He related the struggles faced by the organisation in working efficiently and the red tapism involved which delayed funds for the organisation thus keeping on hold many essential activities for the HIV/AIDS infected and affected people.

Many other guests also spoke on the current trends in HIV/AIDS prevalence and Prevention. Mrs Anuja Ghaley in her speech explained the connection of HIV/AIDS with other social ills in our society like Human trafficking and Drug Abuse and how a consolidated plan of action is required to tackle the menace of HIV.

‘Aarambh’, a short skit on the social stigma and discrimination faced by People Living with HIV/AIDS and awareness about the routes of transmission and modes of Prevention was performed by members of Baishnavi Production. The play was directed by Mr. Aditya Raya.

This was followed by rock music performances by local bands like Grey Matter, Helium Heart, Primitive Future, Ground Zero, N/A, Method 29, Baraka, Funeral Fire. Powerpoint presentation and messages on HIV/AIDS awareness was displayed during the performances.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Hari Chettri, Secretary Shanker Foundation.

BIJANBARI WORLD AIDS DAY PROGRAM

On behalf of Shnaker Foundation DjNP+, Mrs Purnima Tamang, Out Reach Worker of the Foundation, organised a Red Ribbon Campaign in the Bijanbari block covering the Bijanbari Rural Hospital, Fire Brigade area, Block Office and the Bazar area. Around 500 copies of IEC materials were distributed on the occasion.

As reported by Nisha Chettri
Counselor