FRIENDS OF SHANKER FOUNDATION

The Positive Calendar 2012

2011-12-27T03:40:00.000-08:00

The Positive Calendar is out now. To order you copy, please write to us at friendsofshanker@gmail.com They are priced at Rs. 100 each and has been designed by our dear friend Dipang.

Observance of World AIDS Day 2011 - A report

2011-12-19T22:55:00.000-08:00

Date: 1st December 2011

Shanker Foundation DjNP+, District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU), and Darjeeling NGO network, together with fourteen other members of Darjeeling NGO network came together to observe the World AIDS Day at Rink Mall.
The introductory speech was given by Mrs. Sona Rana Subba by inviting the guests on the stage namely, Mr. Suman Das Pradhan, Secretary of Red Cross Darjeeling, Mr. Dhurba Chettri, District Programme Manager of DAPCU, Mrs. Anuja Ghaley, President of NGO network, Mr. Shanker Mani Rai of Shanker Foundation. Following that Mrs. Anuja Ghaley, President of Darjeeling NGO Network welcomed the dignitaries and members present. She gave the brief details about the Darjeeling NGO network which is the collective of fourteen member organizations working in diverse fields in the Darjeeling Hills which is formed for building sustainable Darjeeling Hills through networking, relationship building and sharing of expertise.

Mr. Shanker Mani Rai, Secretary of Shanker foundation DjNP+ informed the gathering about the transfer and prevention of HIV/AIDS. He gave the brief background of the Shanker foundation. He also highlighted the total figure of positive members who has been registered in the Shanker foundation. He said “I am grateful to share the news about the hospice land (Rehabilitation Center) which has been released from the M.P fund hosted by Mr. Jaswanth Singh and the construction programme of which has been started in Singamari. The main reason for the formation of Rehabilitation centre is to provide the accommodation and treatment facilities for the HIV infected victims who have been abandoned by their families and the societies. Discrimination is another vital factor that the AIDS victims are facing in their day to day life, due to which HIV positive people are not being able to disclose their status and cannot access treatment.”

The Positive Calendar 2012 was launched by the chief guests and the dignitaries. The calendar was sponsored by NGOs, business houses, individuals to support the Darjeeling network of positive people. All the proceeds of the sale of the calendars will go towards the activities of Shanker foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People.

Mr. Dhurba Chettri, District Programme Manager of District AIDS Prevention Control Unit highlighted the theme of this year that is “getting to zero “. He stated,” the new HIV infection, HIV related discrimination, HIV related death should be brought to zero. Planning needs to be done and service facility should be strengthened in order to bring those things into Zero”.According to his information there are seven ICTC (Integrated Counseling Testing Centre) in Darjeeling, two in Darjeeling district hospital, one each in Kursoeng, Kalimpong, Mirik, Bijanbari. The places which are lacking such facilities will be soon provided with mobile ICTC within 15th of December. He also declared that they had sent the volunteers in different areas of Darjeeling Hill for Red Ribbon Campaign and the fund raised from that campaign will be given to the Shanker foundation for the care and support service of HIV infected members.

Mr. Suman Das Pradhan, Secretary of Red Cross stated that Darjeeling holds the second place in West Bengal in HIV/AIDS infection. He said, “Urban people lack awareness compared to rural areas. Their hesitation in blood donation and testing are seen whereas the people from rural area come to him and requests him for blood testing programme in their areas. Awareness of HIV/AIDS should reach to the adolescents and practical and theoretical knowledge is necessary for them to be aware. Awareness campaign should be done in various Higher Secondary schools and colleges.”He also explained the five mandatory blood tests needed after which one can donate the blood. Counseling to the HIV infected should be done and their confidentiality should be maintained. Lastly he said “until and unless clients do not come forward it is impossible to bring it into zero.”

After the speech of Chief guests and dignitaries, pamphlets of 2012 were released by the chief guest. The inaugural session ended with the play performed by Vaishnavi production. In the play four characters contract HIV through the four routes of transmission and their issues and problems faced for their survival in society. A Stall for the HIV Bill Campaign was set up by the staff members of the foundation in order to make people participate on strengthening the Campaign Bill for the rights of HIV positive people. Another stall was also set up by the foundation where the positive calendar of 2012 was sold out fund raising as well as pamphlets on HIV/AIDS was distributed among the people. Kripa Foundation had also set up a stall to make people aware of Drug abuse and HIV.

The programme ended with music played by different bands like Laid Back, Baraka, Head Motif and Blues Buddies to create awareness among the youths.

At Kurseong:World AIDS Day service at Kurseong was followed by the Staff of Shanker Foundation, Mr.D.K. Subba supported by the staff members of Red Cross and Manas Bangla had set up the stall in front of the Sub-Divisional Hospital premises, the opening of which was done by the S.D.O of Kurseong from where Red Ribbon and the Pamplets of 2012 was distributed. Blood donation camp was also set up in the Kurseong Government College. The mobile awareness campaign through a van spread the message to a larger audience.

At Mirik:Two members from Shanker Foundation namely, Tulsi Rai and Pratap Rai went to Seyok Tea Estate, Tea Promoter of India, Mirik on their invitation, for observance of World AIDS Day 2011. They informed the people about the theme of this year “Getting to Zero” and “Red Ribbon Campaign”. They also shared information to the people on HIV/AIDS, stigma and discrimination faced by the people living with HIV/AIDS and IDUs. Important dignitaries of Mirik such as Managers, President & Secretary of the Community, School Teachers, Staffs of Health Department, and ANM of T.B. Hospital attended the programme.

At Siliguri: Shanker Foundation DjNP+ also observed World AIDS Day in Siliguri. WBVHA had organized programme in Siliguri in which foundation had set up a stall with WBVHA from where information on HIV/AIDS was passed out to the public. Shanker Foundation DjNP+ was also awarded with Certificate of Appreciation by the WBVHA on this day.

Reported by - Hari Chhetri

World AIDS Day on 1st December 2012

2011-11-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

Shanker Foundation in collaboration with the Darjeeling NGO Network and Darjeeling District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit is organising the 2012 World AIDS Day on 1st of December at the Rink Mall Complex in Darjeeling.

The theme for this year's observance is "Getting to Zero" Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination, and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. The World AIDS Campaign focus on "Zero AIDS Related Deaths" signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all. Perhaps more importantly, it also calls upon governments to keep the commitments they have made to fight the deadly disease.

The program is targeted at creating awareness on HIV/AIDS and will feature talks by Positive Speakers; the launch of the Positive Calendar 2012; HIV/AIDS bill campaign; street theatre and cultural programs onHIV/AIDS and performances by local bands. Kiosks with informationon HIV/AIDS with seasoned counselors will be available to the public throughout the day.

Get involved and show your solidarity! Come and join us in the World AIDS Day celebration and spread the awareness.

Fund Raising Gala Dinner on 10th December

2011-11-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

For most people, difficult economic times put their lifestyles at risk.
For people struggling with HIV/AIDS, these times put their lives at risk.
Low –income group people living with HIV AIDS right here in Darjeeling must now make unthinkable choices: Food or Medicine? Housing or Healthcare?
You Can Help.
Come attend the Shanker Foundation Charity Gala Dinner this December.

We are organizing a Fund-Raising Gala Dinner at Glenarys on the 10th of December with a Ghazal performance by Ajnish. Dinner and a welcome drink is included with the ticket and to make it worthwhile, an automatic entry to a Raffle Draw that will be announced on the night with lots of exciting prizes.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 1100/- for a couple and Rs. 600/- for single.

If you cannot attend yourself please forward this message to people you know in and around the Darjeeling Hills - to your family members and friends. Anyone who feels it worthwhile to save a life and to contribute to a good cause.

You can contact Roshan @ 99320 24812 or Kundan @ 9002308409 for booking tickets or tables. You can also write to friendsofshanker@gmail.com for more details about the event and possible sponsorship. If you know corporate contacts in and around Darjeeling who might chip in a bit as part of their CSR programmes, then please refer them to us. We need as much support as possible to make this event a success and raise some real funds for the Foundation.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 10th of December.

Warm regards
Samir

DIWALI update

2011-10-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Time flies.

A prayer for all the departed souls and their families of the awful tragedy at Bijanbari where a bridge collapsed killing 32 people and more than 100 injured on the 22nd of October.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111023/jsp/frontpage/story_14657953.jsp
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111024/jsp/frontpage/story_14660395.jsp
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Hills-to-miss-festivities-this-Diwali/articleshow/10486274.cms

In all this the Shanker Foundation still has to continue with three new patients at the hospital and the support from Darjeeling Unlimited making the difference to the lives of these three members. After a long time the Dj Unlimited support enabled a member meeting to happen on the 23rd. This important meeting had not happened due to lack of resources. The meeting is crucial to update members of developments but also is extremely important as a space of solidarity and support.

There has been a buzz of activities on the World AIDS day front too. Event planning is on with a number of local bands volunteering their music for awareness. The exact details are being sorted out but this one definitely comes with more thought than the previous ones with the work beginning when it should. Calendar is a slight worry but discussions are going ahead and we still hope to make it before the school close for winter. Friends please remember 1st December and take part in this years crucial international theme of Getting to Zero which is so pertinent to the Darjeeling Hills.

World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Shanker Foundation in association with various partners has been observing the day publicly in Darjeeling since 2006.
This year the theme of ‘GETTING TO ZERO – Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths’ signifies a push towards greater access to treatment to all; a call for governments to act now. The global campaign highlights how our fundamental right to health is intrinsically linked to other basic rights of food, shelter, freedom, clean water and safety. Crucial too is access to affordable life saving quality medicines free from the crippling effects of excessive profit making. The global theme is equally pertinent to the Darjeeling Hills.

Fund Raising GHAZAL NIGHT on 3rd December
Kundan is taking the Gazal night forward. Ajnish has volunteered his music for the night of fund raising which is on for 3rd December. Ajoy has been super generous with Glenarys as the venue when all the others were quoting sky high prices. We hope to see you there.

Wishing you light in your lives this Diwali and fond remembrances from the beautiful Darjeeling Hill wherever you are.

Happy Dasherra and some updates

2011-10-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Puja days are here and this year it is going to be super special with all of us in the Hills looking at this new lease of life after the earthquake. Our prayers for all those whose lives ended with the earthquake. The earthquake shook us and also gave us a new meaning to our lives. An understanding as to how precious and fragile life is and what a gift it is.

A gift equally precious has come by through Darjeeling Unlimited USA with a financial support of Rs. 72004:00. The Darjeeling Unlimited are Non Resident Darjeeling Hills people who live in USA and want to do something meaningful in Darjeeling. In the past they have raised funds for individuals in need in the Darjeeling Hills. This year through the many winding turns of friends and relationships that are typical of our hills Darjeeling Unlimited go to hear of Shanker Foundation and decided to become 'Friends'. One of their expressions of this friendship was the Rs. 72000:00 which will go a long way towards strengthening the Network in Kurseong; OI Treatments; Nutritional Support, Network meetings and office expenses. The support really means a lot with resources having dried up lately but increasing number of patients. A big THANK YOU Darjeeling Unlimited USA.

The myths and misconceptions continue and quacks have emerged in Sikkim and Dharan who are promising cure for HIV. We have lost a member and one got serious with the quacks' treatment. It seems to aggravate the condition and patients' health deteriorates rapidly. We do not know of the many hidden PLHAs who might have fallen to the quack who advertised in a local daily. The struggle continues in many fronts.

Discussions on the calender has gone ahead with sponsorship letters on the roll. Rs. 8000/- being the minimum for logos on the calendar. Discussions on a fund raising night is ahead with Ajnish committing his voice for the event. We look forward to wonderful gazal evening with Ajnish around mid November, post Diwali and some serious fund raising. Watch this space for more news on the venue and date of the event. Thank you Ajnish and team for coming on board.

1st December World AIDS Day is round the bend and discussions for an awareness event at Big Bazzar or Chowrasta has started with a number of individuals/bands coming forward in support. Please do think of something you could do at your place too.

Dasain ani Tihar ko Subhakamna with family and friends. I sign off - shaken and stirred, but still full of hope.

peace
roshan

The Wall - September 2011

2011-09-07T02:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

The day started for me with a call from Ruben with an update that he was getting more tiles and water from his side and also from Suman. Such a good way to start the day, a note of solidarity and generosity. Such acts continued through the day and the next with people landing up at the Wall, helping out, bring food and water, juice and ice-cream. Walking up to the wall was like revisiting an old friend and also being part of a reality makeover show. Dipang and Sweta had the whole show orchestrated with the road divided into sections for different colours and also showing us the way.

Clearly all of us knew what was needed but did not know how difficult it was to get going. Chipping and cleaning the wall, breaking and sorting the tiles, mixing the cement, drawing the outlines and then getting the tiles on the wall. No wonder we get mistris to tile our houses. Work was slow and hard and the beautiful sunny day was not so beautiful anymore, the heat just sapping our energy away. Had it not been for the energy of the kids the adults am sure would have let go. Their enthusiasm and zest got us going, not to forget the tea, biscuits, egg bun, cream roll and pepsi ice. Wish i could document all the typical Darj comments of passers by but one suffices, 'satis banaey cha' The work did not finish on on the 3rd so all of us trooped on the 4th too. Had allu paratha for lunch and worked till two jeeps had to be brought in to light up the wall. That's about when all of us decided that its a work in progress and it had been a job well done. We leave the wall for now and revisit it sometime later.

As of now the WALL stands for all that it says and the DIGNITY of People Living with HIV/AIDS(PLHA) in the Darjeeling Hills. It showed the world that PLHA and the rest can come together hand in hand and whip out a work of art which challenges us the MOUNTAIN PEOPLE to live in HARMONY and in OWNERSHIP of our HOME. This can be done only if all of us can PARTICIPATE in the process of EMPOWERMENT and bring about a process of HEALING and FREEDOM. This is possible when we have ONE LOVE and DIGNITY. (words in upper case are from the wall).

The two days had curious passerby's, to ones who came up and said 'good job',to some who said can i help and be a part of the process?. People read the leaflets we had kept and also dropped their mite in the donation box. i hope the multiplier effect happens and the mass of change agents increase to become a revolution of acceptance and solidarity. For this i believe that the wall must continue as a physical reminder of the state we want to reach as a society. At this juncture i also do not hesitate to add that other walls did not get the revolution happening and reminds of the Late Gil Scott Heron saying 'The Revolution will not be televised' .

I would like to sign off with a note of gratitude to all who were at the wall in mind body and soul and remind that the "road is long with a many a winding turn, ...he aint heavy he's my brother' - the hollies.

peace

roshan

Redoing The Wall - 3rd and 4th September 2011

2011-08-21T23:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Remember last year at the wall, for refreshing memory as well as friends who have joined after the wall was done the email update is quoted below and some links on the net which has more stuff on the wall.
http://shankerfoundation.wordpress.com/?s=wall&searchbutton=Go%21

The monsoon was pretty normal this year which means it was heavy and the photographs from last month shows what the wall has become post monsoon. The tiles are the ones which have withstood the test of one winter and a monsoon. With the monsoon easing up, lets renew our friendship with Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People and join the community of friends on the 3rd and 4th September 2011 to renew the wall. Dipang and Sweta will once again lead us by putting up tiles on the wall. Dipang has collected enough broken tiles which will enable us to renew our commitment and solidarity with Shanker Foundation DjNP+.

Within the winds of change there is still need for us to remain strongly rooted to our commitment to our cause of PLHAs in the Darjeeling Hills.

Looking forward to see you at the wall,

peace
roshan

Candlelight Memorial at Chowrastha

2011-06-08T04:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We remembered all of you at the Candlelight memorial at Chowrastha and felt your presence and support in the prayers and hymns. We rejoiced with the strength of the positive speakers and shed tears lighting the candles. We enjoyed the music and relived the talent of the hills and wished we had a platform for these talented artists.

Thanking you all and attaching below a report by Tashi and photos by Ashesh.
Yours sincerely
roshan

This year, Shanker Foundation, Darjeeling organized the Memorial in Chowrasta. Chowrasta is a place that is visited by hundreds to take a walk or just hang about in Darjeeling and therefore apt to hold the Memorial. The Memorial this year had more participants and more people. It is now an annual program that Shanker Foundation observes since 2008 though the history of the International Candlelight Memorial stretches much further and started in 1983.
Priests from all religion and members of the Pranami and Brahmakumari sects lead us with their prayers. Each prayer was recited differently but was alike in their aim to pray for the souls of people who passed away and those living with HIV/AIDS.
Pratap and Ghanu who are members of the Foundation spoke about living with HIV/AIDS along with how they came to accept their positive status and the changes they brought about in their lives. They spoke powerfully on the issue and brought forth a sense of empowerment they have in sharing their stories with people which in turn help in changing lives of others infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Positive speakers are powerful catalyst who bring the emotional and most importantly personal aspects of the issue to the fore and make us realize that we are not dealing with just an “issue” here but people.
The prayer service was followed by music; young and upcoming bands like the “Laidback” and other Darjeeling Hills based artists brought the young to their feet but kept the focus on the issue as well. A short documentary on HIV/AIDS made by the Mass Communications student of St.Joseph’s College, Darjeeling gave a local perspective on the issue and showed that the youth of Darjeeling are aware of the facts relating to HIV/AIDS.

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

2011-05-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

15 May, 2011
BE THERE

Dear Friends,
The members have been working hard for the Candlelight Memorial 15th May 2011 with the distribution of letter and not to forget the translation.
The media houses have been contacted and Himali Darpan is doing a special. Religious organisations will take the prayer services forward and hoping that you will take it forward in your own places wherever you are. We will have all the major faiths represented at Chowrastha.

Information and Culture department has been kind enough to print 50 posters which have gone up in town and is attached with the mail. A street theatre group called up today with a street act on HIV so will be part of the memorial on Sunday. Ghanu and Pratap are working on their sharing.

We will meet as a team at the office this Friday at 4pm to tie up any loose ends. We will meet you at Chowrastha in mind, body or soul at 4pm on 15th May 2011 irrespective of where you are.

Touching Lives
roshan

15 May - Candlelight Memorial (Touching Lives)

2011-03-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

It always takes a while to get things into Darjeeling but when it does come, it comes in a big way and stays for a long time; sometimes too long a time.

We observed the International Candlelight Memorial two years ago with a few of us gathered in the Darjeeling Red Cross grounds for a multi-faith prayer service. This year, 15th May 2011, we hope to make it bigger.

The Candlelight Memorial
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, coordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world. Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organizations in 115 countries hosting local memorials to honor the lives lost and raise social consciousness about HIV. The Candlelight is also much more than just a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilization skills. With 33 million people living with HIV today, the Candlelight continues to serve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to new generations.

For more details log onto: http://www.candlelightmemorial.org/ You can dedicate a candle online at www.candlelightmemorial.org/light_candle/index.php

Darjeeling is blessed with a religious harmony which we hope to build upon. We will be advocating different religious groups in Darjeeling Hills to hold prayer services in their own special way and spaces. We hope to have letters for the different religious groups out by the end of this month. Please let us know of religious groups that you want us to include in the communication and most importantly explain the memorial to them. We believe in the power of prayer and imagine the power of all the prayers of the Darjeeling Hills. We also believe that religious organizations are powerful agents of the much needed societal change.

We will also have a centralized memorial (hoping to have it in Chowrastha) where we will have multi-faith prayer service, candle light memorial, positive speakers, information kiosks and documentaries screened.

Samajs, Educational institutions, NGOs will be invited to participate in the memorial at Chowrastha. The memorial is not just for all the people who have died but also for all the ones who are living with HIV/AIDS. The memorial is also about our society looking within and taking responsibility of ourselves. We have a culture of supporting each other and the time is now to embrace people living with HIV/AIDS in the Darjeeling Hills and break down the walls of stigma and discrimination and stand for the rights of PLHAs.

The global theme for this year is “Touching Lives”. We invite you to touch lives and be the change you want to see in this world. We invite you to touch your own life and offer the change to others. We want you to strengthen your belief in the power of prayer, religious harmony and PRAY.

Yours sincerely
roshan

Winter in Darjeeling

2011-02-04T23:57:00.000-08:00

Winter is a tough time in our Darjeeling Hills. People who can afford move to warmer climes. Darjeeling wears a deserted look and moves into a sense of hibernation. Lately, political activism and Shanker Foundation seems to get a fresh lease of life every winter.

I was at the Shanker Foundation office yesterday to discuss activity plans for this year. Ended up chatting as i had not gone down to the office for a long time. Loads of laughter typical of Darjeeling Hills on the problems faced by the members including not being able to access Second Line ART.

With tea and Ghuramia puff biscuits the talk went more serious and laughter decreased. In the past few weeks three of the members have died. Families turned up at the office, all of them tested positive. A 13 year old daughter and parents, another family with an 8 year old child and a 60 year old man and his wife aged 52 years tested positive. They have very little understanding of the virus, the lifestyle changes needed and lack adequate resources to access treatment.

The deaths and new members appearing in winter is becoming a regular feature. Most of the members who come to the office in winter, live in difficult circumstances and the only time they are free to look beyond survival is winter. i just hope and pray that in these few days of winter they are able to gain enough information and knowledge to make the necessary lifestyle changes to maintain their dignity of life. Once the hustle bustle of Darjeeling comes their lives will be engulfed in their rat race of daily bread.

At this juncture i realise the importance of the core team of Shanker Foundation who provide living examples of positive life style for these new members. Not only do they provide information and linkages necessary but also inspire them. They are key in fighting for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. Without them the majority slip away in forced silence. A frustrating silence which kills more than the virus does. A silence that all of us are responsible for. A silence that perpetuates dehumanisation of our society.

Such discussions in closed environment always moves to difficulties of the group. Moments of truth like these, brings out the struggles of the team which is not seen by most people. It also brings out their passion and selflessness driving them in their respective life journeys irrespective of the adversities. Some of them have not received their honorarium since September 2010, yet continuing their jobs as someone has to do it whether there is money or not.

The discussion then went practical as to what we should do. It was generally agreed that we should continue working on reduction of stigma and discrimination, care and support and advocating for rights of PLHIV. There will also be focussed activity on selling the 2011 Positive Calendar this month. Some thoughts on fund raising targeting the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (3rd Sunday of May) was placed. It was decided that we would meet in a week's time.

I walked back to office thinking about what i heard and what we discussed and realised that I have not shared any updates with the Friends of Shanker for a long time so here goes an update and wishing All A HAPPY NEW YEAR. An update calling on all the Friends to TAKE THE LEAD

Yours sincerely
roshan

The Positive Calendar 2011

2010-12-12T04:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

The Positive Calendar 2011 is going to be out this week and the preview of the 1st page is attached. It is late this year and we are hoping that better late than never applies completely to it. Let me not go into the details of the delay suffice it is late so needs more support to see it through this year. The beautiful part of it is that more people are involved in the process which started at the wall and the waste art workshop before it; the cover design, the photography, the lay out, checking out the printers and also collecting sponsors who would pay for the printing. The friends circle grows and now it is your turn to take the lead and pass on the message of Universal Access and Human Rights(the theme of World AIDS Day 2010) through the Positive Calendar 2011.

This year the Positive Calendar has incorporated information on HIV/AIDS and Activities of Shanker Foundation and Positive Speakers and had this funky arty look to it. Dipang and Sweta did the design, Leepok the photographs, Donna Shubo the cover and Vikram the
conceptual support and the printing. Their names are not in the calendar so i feel it is essential for me to thank them in this email and also to let you know the people behind it. The Positive Speakers on the Calender have shown their selflessness, courage, commitment, dedication and hope in the cause and stand for the innumerable people who are made unable to come out in the open. Your friendship is needed and we ask you to take the lead and spread the message of the Positive Calendar.

The Calendar will be in Glens, Life and Leaf, Das Studio and also at the office. Give us a shout and we will deliver it.

Yours sincerely
roshan

WORLD AIDS DAY 2010

2010-11-29T02:18:00.000-08:00

Dear All,
Like every year, World Aids Day will be observed in Darjeeling by Shanker Foundation and Kripa Foundation, in collaboration with the Darjeeling NGO Network.

This year's theme is " Universal Access and Human Rights " recognising universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment,prevention and care as fundamental human rights.

Come and spread the awareness
1st December 2010
Rink Mall
Darjeeling

CALENDAR for 2011

2010-08-09T00:13:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

We had a good discussion today at the Friends meeting and we had Samar from Shanti International joining us. In times of crisis a silver lining always there; Samar, Shanti International will continue support including look at possibilities for expansion.

Another important discussion was the 2011 calendar and sponsors. We are hoping to come out with a 12 page one this year and releasing by October before the hills close for winter. For each page the cost is coming to Rs. 14 000/-. We hope to print 4000 this year and need your support to continue bringing awareness as well as supporting PLHIVS.

I learnt a new term today MIPA --meaningful involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS. So lets do MIPA.

Kindly spread your wings and look for sponsors for the 2011 Calendar and be the change you want to see in the world. As usual the sponsors logo will be prominently displayed.

peace
roshan

You can write to Roshan at friendsofshanker@gmail.com

26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

2009-06-07T04:12:00.000-07:00

26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

17th May 2009 at Red Cross Grounds Darjeeling

26th Candlelight AIDS Memorial

2009-05-14T03:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-14T03:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-01-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

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

The Positive Calendar - December 2008

2008-12-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Positive Calendar is up for sale and we look forward to your continued solidarity.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year All the members of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ and Friends

Please contact Vikram at vikram_rai79@yahoo.co.uk
or call him at 9832042879 and 9800694703

Yours in Solidarity
Samir

Break the Silence

2008-12-13T01:09:00.000-08:00

Dear All,

Here's a song that Dimple's written for people living with HIV AIDS. Its called 'break the silence". He has this to say "this song is my hope for a change that we can bring for the people living with HIV AIDS today....enjoy!"

So as the New Year comes upon us let us break the silence and reach out.

Check out the song at

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=151852951

warm regards

Samir

December 2008 Updates

2008-12-13T00:58:00.000-08:00

Winter has set in the Darjeeling Hills, but doesnt mean life comes to a stand still. Members of Shanker Foundation along with the representative of Shanti International are at Pokhriabong for an awareness programme. We have come a long way but we are not there as yet, and we have miles to go before we are sleep...

"Jaga, jaga, jaga na jaga, Ghor nind aba parityaga – Dharnidhar Sharma."

"Take the lead for the dignity and rights of PLWHA – All the HIV positive people living in Darjeeling"

The 2009 Positive Calendar is up for sale and we look forward to your continued solidarity.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year All the members of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ and Friends

World AIDS Day 2008

2008-11-30T03:09:00.000-08:00

Day 1 December is observed as World AIDS day.

India

Approximately 2.5 million people were living with HIV in India in 2006. Whilst almost 25% of the country's population is between the ages of 15-29 years, this age group accounts for 31% of people living with HIV, demonstrating that young people are at particularly high risk of contracting HIV. To face this risk and turn around the epidemic, young people must be encouraged and supported to take leadership roles within their communities.

HIV/AIDS and the Darjeeling Hills

The data obtained from various sentinel sites and surveillance works in the Darjeeling Hills shows that the hills have a higher prevalence of HIV among different groups that in most other districts in the state. The average HIV positivity in the Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing Centre(VCCTC) in the district is 10.8%. The HIV prevalence among attendees of the Sexually Transmitted Disease(STD) and Ante-natal clinics(ANC) is 2.7% (2006) and 0.84%(2005) respectively in Darjeeling. The HIV prevalence among Injecting Drug Users and Commercial Sex Workers ranges from 3.2 to 10% and 7.5 to 14% respectively. (DACC 2005/2006).

Does this sound that I am playing the number game??? Does this mean that I am dehumanizing the entire process??? Does this mean after years work nothing has happened???

Well maybe I am playing the number game, but because Darjeeling Hills did not have any numbers, due to many reasons, we lost out on the national debate on HIV/AIDS. With much personal debate, I am including the first ever numbers from the Darjeeling Hills. I do believe that I have dehumanized the entire process with the percentages but at a certain level percentages is all that speaks. Finally it does not mean nothing has happed in the Darjeeling Hills. This year 11 PLHIVs are coming out in the open. The best being Rupa who came out open first time in her own community. Now the campaign is on to have Rupa change her occupation from a tea plucker to a peer educator in the tea garden she lives in. The state of pseudo-inaction also needs to be looked at from the historical perspective of how our community has evolved. The various interventions on HIV/AIDS or lack of it in this evolutionary process of our community need to be analysed. Bottom-line the state our community is in:

Denial – A state of denial exists in society and the individual. The society has yet to accept HIV/AIDS as its issue. This state of denial pushes HIV/AIDS to the margins and necessary actions are relegated as an unimportant issue. HIV/AIDS is a developmental issue affecting all of us, yet it is never discussed as one, in all walks of life. At an individual level, most people look at HIV/AIDS as something that will not affect him or herself, indulging in high risk behaviour or not accepting positive people.

Stigma and Discrimination – This state of denial, the image that is created around HIV/AIDS and myths and misconception of HIV/AIDS has led to a very high stigma on HIV/AIDS. The stigma prevails in the Darjeeling hills too denying the right to a dignified life for the people and families living with HIV/AIDS.

UNAIDS characterizes HIV-related stigma as a process of devaluation of those living or associated with the epidemic. Discrimination is defined as the unfair and unjust treatment of an individual based on real or perceived status.

The existing state of our community results in:

People and families living with HIV/AIDS are denied a dignified life

HIV/AIDS gets hidden

Rapid spread of HIV/AIDS

TAKE THE LEAD this World AIDS Day and the coming years The theme of "TAKE THE LEAD" – 2007 and 2008, builds on 2006 theme of accountability to stop AIDS by keeping the promise. All of us are called to be leaders of our family, friends, colleagues and community. Take the lead and talk about HIV/AIDS with your family, friends, colleagues and community. Open your welcoming arms of love to people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Be a partner in providing care and support to People and Families living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Advocate proactively for the rights of PLWHA.

Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. - Lord Buddha

This year the AIDS Day will start with a meeting with Doctors, Police and other important officials in the Shanker Foundation Office. This is followed by an awareness programme in Marwari Sahayik Hall in town with Shanker Daju giving the keynote address. There will be three stalls in Big Bazar, Chowrastha and Lower Bata with resource persons, information and also the POSITIVE CALANDER 2009.

A press release was done today which highlighted the issues and problems of PLHIV in the Darjeeling Hills. The local channel is featuring a programme tomorrow evening at 7 pm from a rights based perspective.

Besides, other organizations are taking individual programmes like signature campaigns, human chain in Kalimpong, information kiosks will be going on tomorrow.

Yours in solidarity

Roshan

Lead, Empower, Deliver

2008-11-17T05:25:00.000-08:00

Build Up to World AIDS Day_Background on World AIDS Day themes

2008-11-14T02:21:00.000-08:00

Background on World AIDS Day themes

The overall purpose of the World AIDS Campaign from 2005 to 2010 is to ensure that leaders and decision makers deliver on their promises on AIDS, including the provision of Universal Access to Treatment, Care, Support and Prevention services by 2010. Within that five-year mission, annual campaigning themes are selected which are timely, relevant and adaptable to a number of different regions and issues.

The theme for World AIDS Day has been determined by the World AIDS Campaign since 1997. Since that time, the campaign has developed into to its current form, governed by a committee of global constituency-based AIDS networks. The Global Steering Committee of the World AIDS Campaign selected the theme of leadership during their fifth steering committee meeting held in Geneva on 8th and 9th of February 2007. This Global Steering Committee is comprised of the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, the Youth Coalition, the Global Unions Programme on HIV/AIDS, the International Council of AIDS Service Organisations, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, and the International Women’s AIDS Caucus. UNAIDS and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria are nonvoting members.

For further information see www.worldaidscampaign.org

November 2008 Update

2008-11-04T01:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of Shanker,

The year's just getting by and all of us are trying to get the Postive Calender 2009. The positive shoot by the Mass Com students of St. Joseph's College starts morrow.

Importantly, an organisational assessment is being facilitated on 5th of November by the CHAI Project Staff. Two sets of focus group discussions will be held. One with the board and the other with the staff. This will be the basis of evolving the organisational development plan which is much needed with the Network growing day by day. This will enable us to strengthen the exisiting activities of the network as well as look at sustainability issues.

We look forward to the World AIDS day 1st December 2008. Taking the lead and keeping the promise from last year.

Yours sincerely

Roshan

The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Whilst we have come a long ways since 1988, there is still much more to be done.

October 2008 Updates

2008-10-01T23:51:00.000-07:00

Remembering all of us on Gandhi Jayanti and quoting the Mahatma:

"Be the change you want to see in the world"
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

Dasain and Tihar is here, festivities signifying triumph of good over evil as well as coming together of family, friends and communityWe have good news on the care and support front with the opening of the Community Care Centre. Now that we have Glenn Family Foundation Centre in Kalimpong and Prayash in Darjeeling the scenario of care and support is improving and becoming more accessible to PLHIV in Darjeeling Hills.

The question that rattles me is - is this the positive social change we are looking forward to???

We have a community care centre but do we have a community that really cares and supports? Have we really reduced stigma and discrimination? Do we realize that the rights of PLHIVs are directly linked with prevention too?

To take stock, the Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People membership has increased to 101 members. Yet the five who came out in the open in 2006 are still the only public face of DjNP+. Shanker Daju(Secretary of DjNP+) is in need for second line ART but it is not available as yet. There have been promises, about ART distribution from Darjeeling for ages but promises are meant to be broken.

There is a team of students from NP College Mass Com department making a film on Hari(President of DjNP+). This for me is a great trend in the education process of our community, where students pursue local issues and pursue their creativity too while learning life skills. The film will be part of Montage 2008 where the students' short films are screened. Montage 2008 is about Stars of Darjeeling. Hari is a rock of our community and the DjNP+. His is a world view which is truly global which encompasses us all. Hari brings hope and celebration into our lives. Definitely a Star of Darjeeling.

Shanti International is the latest members of the friends network. Shanti International has committed support to the Network which brings a sigh of relief – with increasing members and reducing government support. For further info on Shanti International please check: http://www.shanti-international.org.uk/

Edith Wilkins Street Children Foundation is providing medical service. This adds another doctor to a band of dedicated doctors in Darjeeling. Their support also comes with medicines.

CHAI Project continues their dedicated support with funds and medical support.

Amazing are the individuals who silently contribute and extend their support. Their anonymity is their greatness.

Time has come for the Positive 2009 calendar. We want to continue it for it generates awareness as well as funds. WE NEED SPONSORS FOR THE PRINTING. Remember the WAD 2007 TAKE THE LEAD.

yours sincerely,
Roshan

Taking HIV AIDS to the Workplace: Glenarys - A Postive Example

2008-07-10T02:53:00.000-07:00

Hari from Shanker Foundation speaking to the Glenary's staff

Birthdays are never complete in Darjeeling without a cake from Glenarys. Glenarys is one of the oldest and most loved bakeries here. It has grown and added a resto-bar and the Restaurant still serves the best sizzlers in town, but the essence of Glenarys lies in its bakery. You must be wondering why Glenarys is featured so prominently in an article on HIV/AIDS. The truth is, Glenarys is the first private commercial establishment in Darjeeling that has organized an awareness program for its 150 strong staff on HIV/AIDS including alcoholism and drug addiction.

Shanker Foundation was invited to conduct an awareness program for its staff on the 7th of July. Hari from Shanker Foundation, Uncle Rajen from Kripa, together with other members conducted the awareness program in two sessions. Ajoy Edwards, the proprietor of Glenary’s and the staff listened with rapt attention. Hari, demystified the basics of HIV/AIDS with a clarity that left little room for doubt among the staff. He also spoke on the types of Sexually Transmitted Disease and Reproductive Tract Infection. Lawrence, a member, gave demonstrations on how to effectively use a condom to protect oneself from HIV/AIDS and STDs. This session was naturally punctuated by giggles and downcast eyes. Sex is something we don’t talk about candidly here and the fact that a person starts a condom demonstration was uncomfortable for some. But this is what these HIV/AIDS awareness are meant to do, break the silence on HIV/AIDS that is linked with sex, drugs and promiscuity in the conscience of the community.

Then Lawrence shared his experiences and explained why he has come out in the open with his positive status. He said “I don’t wish that anybody should go through what I have gone through” and therefore he was standing in front of them. This line touched the hearts of the staff. It was a powerful message that has according to Mr. Edwards motivated three of his staff members to organize and invite Shaker Foundation to conduct similar programs in their community. They have even volunteered to get themselves tested which is a huge step.

Mr. Edwards stressed on eliminating stigma and discrimination. He gave an important example of the early days of Tuberculosis (TB) when people with TB were socially ostracized, when marrying into a family with a member with T.B was considered equivalent to embracing death. He was very appreciative of the work done by the members of SF describing that their job was not just another job but a mission. He said that to talk about HIV/AIDS is one of the ways to prevent it.

When I asked the staff of Glenarys what they thought of the program, everyone said it was very informative. Binod Valmiki, told me that he had never discussed HIV/AIDS nor had he ever attended such a program! Most of the staff members had heard about HIV/AIDS but the information they had was vague and hearsay. But what they had now was detailed information on HIV/AIDS and a reference point where they could address their questions and doubts i.e. the Shanker Foundation.

An important response from the staff was their increased compassion and understanding about People Living with HIV/AIDS. There were many in the staff that were Hari’s classmates and commented on the fact that they were pleasantly surprised to find him so spirited and smarter.

This awareness programme on HIV/AIDS in Glenarys has been one of the first in a commercial establishment/workplace. A lot of people cannot afford to attend workshops and awareness due to work schedule and other circumstancesl, therefore, such awareness conducted in the workplace reaches out to the layman very effectively. It also brings about change in the way PLWA are perceived in the workplace and allows them to continue working for their present organisations without the fear of being removed or prejudiced.

Are other organisations equally brave enough to invite us for a sensitization programme?

Lets wait and see... my fingers are still crossed.

Report compiled by Tashi (Friends of Shanker)
She can be contacted at tashi5_sherpa@hotmail.com

POSITIVE STORIES - Priya

2008-07-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Priya* is one of the 36 women in the Foundation, a petite lady with a ready smile. She married young hoping for a better life. She became a mother at a young age and then discovered her husband had HIV/AIDS. The first thought that crossed her mind was of death, an early horrible death. She was terrified and feared HIV/AIDS. But she did not give up caring for her ailing husband.

She became the sole breadwinner and caregiver of her family. But since Darjeeling is a small town, word spread around and she was discriminated at her workplace. She started to live in denial and would run away if any member of Shanker Foundation approached her. But the burden of care could not be borne alone any longer so she sought the help of the Foundation. After joining the Foundation she started to open up to people and learn about HIV/AIDS. Gradually she overcame her fear of HIV/AIDS. She got herself tested and turned out HIV+. She lost her husband in 2007.

Priya* now works as a Peer Educator in the Foundation under the project supported and funded by The Adventurists in partnership with Mercy Corps raised from the Rickshaw Run in India. This Project aims at raising awareness on HIV/AIDS through workshops in rural and urban Darjeeling. The Project also provides support for transport to the Foundation since the only ART (Anti-Retroviral) Centre is in the North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri (a 3 hour drive from Darjeeling) as well as funds for Opportunistic Infections (OIs).

There are six members currently working under this Project and Priya is one of them. Workshops are conducted by members providing basic information on HIV/AIDS and a very important session wherein one of the member shares his/her experiences. Discrimination and stigma is still prevalent against people living with HIV/AIDS in Darjeeling and therefore these workshops are very important in combating these twin issues.

As a Peer Educator, Priya* not only counsels but also facilitates meetings and workshops in the community and schools. Since the start of the Project, Priya has become more confident and articulate. She says that the sense of responsibility and the will to live has grown stronger in her. Through the Project she travels to various areas and shares her experiences with the community. Priya* tells me that she is very happy and the sound of her laughter tells all...

* Name as been changed to maintain confidentiality

Submitted by Tashi (Friends of Shanker)

She can be contacted at tashi5_sherpa@hotmail.com

The Positive Calendar - July 2008

2008-07-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

HELP US LIVE RESPECTABLE LIVES... BE A FRIEND OF THE SHANKER FOUNDATION

HIV/AIDS Estimates and the Quest for Universal Access

2008-06-23T03:44:00.000-07:00

The Lancet, UK 18/06/2008

Kevin M De Cock - Department of HIV/AIDS, WHO, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
Paul De Lay - Department of Evidence, Monitoring, & Policy, UNAIDS, Geneva, Switzerland

Recent debates about trends in HIV infections have overshadowed genuine achievements in addressing the pandemic.1 WHO, UNAIDS, and UNICEF have recently issued a series of reports that assess progress towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.2,3 Leaders of the G8 countries had committed to this ambitious goal in Gleneagles, UK, in 2005 and in the political declaration made at the UN General Assembly.4,5 On the basis of data from 143 countries, by the end of 2007, almost 3 million people in low-income and middle-income countries were being maintained on antiretroviral therapy—1 million more than the previous year. Almost three-quarters of the individuals on therapy lived in sub-Saharan Africa, where measurable reductions in AIDS mortality are occurring, and 200 000 were children. Treatment coverage globally was estimated at 31%; the total estimated need for therapy under current treatment recommendations6 is 9·7 million people.

Coverage for antiretrovirals in HIV-positive pregnant women for prevention of mother-to-child transmission in low-income and middle-income countries increased from 9% in 2004 to 34% in 2007. In such countries, the percentage of young people having sex before age 15 years is decreasing in all regions, a continuation of trends detected earlier this decade.

Despite these gains, huge gaps in access remain. Only 20% of people with HIV in low-income and middleincome countries are aware of their infection status. Surveys indicate that 40% of men and 38% of women at ages 15–24 years had accurate and comprehensive knowledge about HIV and about how to avoid transmission. In countries with epidemics that are concentrated within the populations most at risk, HIV prevention programmes fail to reach many people at risk of acquiring HIV, including most men who have sex with men and injecting drug users.

Focusing scale-up of services where they are needed requires "knowing your epidemic", globally and locally.7 According to the 2007 UNAIDS/WHO AIDS epidemic update,8 at the end of 2007, 33·2 million people(range 30·6–36·1) were living with HIV. Some 2·5 million people became newly infected that year, and 2·1 million died of AIDS. AIDS remains the leading cause of death in Africa. These latest estimates refl ect expanded sets of data, including the use of population-based surveys, and improved methods of analysis, and are better than nearly all other estimates for other global health problems.

Sub-Saharan Africa, with two-thirds of those living with HIV, has seen self-sustaining HIV epidemics with very high levels of HIV prevalence in the general population of many countries. In most of the rest of the world, HIV has occurred in concentrated epidemics that aff ect specifi c groups at risk (men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, female commercial sex workers) and their partners. The recent Report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia9 supports the concept of predominantly concentrated epidemics in that populous region.

Compartmentalising the world into concentrated and generalised epidemics usefully conveys likely trends, yet incompletely captures the complexity and heterogeneity of the epidemic. The probability of heterosexual HIV spread is infl uenced by local HIV prevalence, sexual networks, rates of partner change, and types of partner selected. Risk of heterosexual acquisition of HIV varies enor mously internationally, though even very low risk is not zero risk.

It is this complexity around the likelihood and extent of heterosexual HIV transmission that is at the root of extreme claims in the mass media1 that false information has been conveyed or that HIV/AIDS poses no risk to heterosexuals outside Africa. Generalised epidemics have occurred in Haiti and Papua New Guinea, and heterosexual transmission drives the epidemic in sex workers, their partners, clients, and their clients' partners in Asia and elsewhere. Such observations do not predict extensive or generalised spread, but neither do they indicate lack of any heterosexual transmission beyond the populations most at risk. As with hepatitis B virus infection, many heterosexual patients with HIV seem not to belong to any population that is most at risk, but still became infected.

Conveying the heterogeneity of risk is a challenge in public health in general. HIV/AIDS epidemiology changes slowly, current trends providing the basis for appropriate targeting of prevention and treatment eff orts. Just like other sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS should be an integral component of sexual and reproductive health interventions and education, but targeting eff orts aimed at the risk populations and settings where HIV transmission is most intense is crucial. Accurate size estimation and mapping of populations most at risk in concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemics can be diffi cult, with underestimation as well as overestimation possible. More investment in surveillance and epidemiology is required for the continued and objective documentation of trends. Of ongoing concern is the long-term sustainability of eff orts in terms of the future burden of HIV and availability of the necessary funding. In addition to the debate around epidemiology, arguments are being made that too muchfunding is going to HIV/AIDS compared with other health priorities.10 Recent data show how far we are from universal access, and the problem is not excessive funding for HIV/AIDS, but continued inadequate funding for all major challenges in global health, and the need for their accurate measurement. In 2008, protection against major infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, should be seen as a universal obligation, and universal access refers to everybody in need, everywhere.

The Positive Calendar - June 2008

2008-06-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

WE NEED YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT, NOT YOUR SYMPATHY.

Dont marginalise us, please...

Shanker Foundation Darjeeling- May 2008 Update

2008-05-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Time…seems like yesterday and a month has gone by. We have experienced so many incredible moments in the Darjeeling Hills in the past month that this update would be an impossible task to capture all these moments. But the purpose of these updates are not to make a political commentary but to document the Shanker Foundation and Friends thus would like to restrict my expressions to those and not be one of the additions to all the happenings in our beloved hills.
Momentous has been the past month so would like share some events which I feel are the important ones.

Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People was faced with their first public allegations of corruption in Himali Darpan 19 April 2008. The story was that Shanker Foundation is receiving DOLLARS from foreign sources, charges Rs. 20000 to Rs 24000 per patients, caters to drug addicts and neglects other patients. The story appeared as a quote of Mrs. Ramala Sharma "The foundation also made it clear that anyone who wishes to check the accounts and reports can do so by coming over to the office."

Incidentally, we were in our monthly members meeting when the story appeared so we broke up into groups and discussed possible actions. Lot of anger and ideas later considering the parameters in Darjeeling we drafted a response. Jist of our response: The story is totally wrong and should be retracted. Himali Darpan should have contacted Shanker Foundation with their response to the allegations before printing. Shanker Foundation does not receive DOLLARS and has been supported by Darjeeling AIDS Control Centre (DACC)(for the past year), Opportunistic Infections treatment from CHAI Project and contributions of FRIENDS. The membership fee is Rs. 5 which also is seldom collected due to the economic status of most members. Shanker Foundation is a network of HIV Postive people and does not discriminate or look into the mode of acquiring the virus of the member.

With this response all of us trooped to Himali Darpan office. My personal experience "Wish we had just taken a legal action against Himali Darpan. They had the audacity to tell us that due to media ethics they have to print any news that is given to them and it is the duty of the other party to refute the charges. We are filled with self righteous so called intellectuals in Darjeeling". Finally we came to an agreement that the response would be printed and it was printed as a response to the allegation in the following day's edition 20 April 2008.

The fallouts:- The damage has been done, a sense of doubt has entered all the readers of the story. - It has increased fear amongst positive people who are still an invisible community in the hills. - A number of organizations including government officials are now keeping a distance from the organisation and some have withdrawn support. Relationships with these organizations had been cultivated over a period of time which has come crashing down.

We are recovering from this story and as one of the damage control exercise have been sending the response to key stakeholders in the government and non-government organizations. But it is damage control only.

Well, this one tops the lows of the month and let me not add anymore. Most of the other lows are stories of discrimination and denial.

Positively: CHAI Project is going to support 2 staff in Darjeeling, 1 in Pokhriabong, 1 in Kurseong and 1 in Kalimpong for six months. Their roles will be to organize awareness programmes as well as strengthen the network. Kurseong and Pokriabong are strategic as the network has very little presence and a large number of patients have been emerging from these areas.

DACC will be extending their support for the next 3 months.

We had our first case of a positive mother give birth in the Darjeeling Government Hospital with all necessary Prevention of Parent to Child Transfer Treatment measures being followed. The story is covered in 8 May 2008 Himali Darpan and Telegraph. Telegraph should have an electronic version of the story. We have our fingers crossed and prayers for the mother and the child.

Shanker Foundation and Friends in Darjeeling will be meeting next week. This meeting has been long overdue. Hoping Friends meeting are taking place other cities, towns and villages.

peace
Roshan

The Positive Calendar - May 2008

2008-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

"ACCESS TO CARE AND SUPPORT SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO EVERY PLWHA"

Development & Disasters in a time of HIV & AIDS

2008-05-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

An HIV Mainstreaming Toolkit
for development and humanitarian response workers

Please see below the link for the new CAFOD HIV mainstreaming toolkit.

It comes from the premise that HIV mainstreaming must be applied to wider development and humanitarian response programmes if these are to remain effective and do no harm in contexts affected by HIV and AIDS.

This toolkit was produced by CAFOD as a practical guide to the work of HIV mainstreaming for all NGOs and groups working in this area.

Click below for link to the pdf version
http://www.cafod.org.uk/var/storage/original/application/7ab71768f885645946df1622fcf340
d2.pdf

The Positive Calendar April 2008

2008-03-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

HELP US SAVE LIVES. BUY THE "POSITIVE CALENDAR" TODAY.

WE STILL HAVE COPIES LEFT.

PLEASE CONTACT Roshan @ +91 99320 24812

Shanker Foundation Update_April 2008_HIV AIDS

2008-03-28T15:48:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time and I recall the song, sister golden hair, 'i might have been a bad correspondent but doesn't mean you ain't been on my mind…' Too much has been going on and have just got been caught up in the daily struggle of trying to fulfill the promise we took in World AIDS Day 2007.

"TAKE THE LEAD This year the theme of "TAKE THE LEAD" builds on last year's theme of accountability to stop AIDS by keeping the promise. All of us are called to be leaders of our family, friends, colleagues and community. Take the lead and talk about HIV/AIDS with your family, friends, colleagues and community. Open your welcoming arms of love to people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Be a partner in providing care and support to PLWHA. Advocate proactively for the rights of PLWHA."

Since my last update in December 2007, 20 members of the Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People have died. Most have been husbands who have left behind a family. Some of the wives have tested positive and they are scared to test their children. Most of them are from rural and tea garden areas. In their deaths we have come to realize or should I say we have confirmed what we already knew, that HIV has spread to all parts of Darjeeling, yet our awareness programmes do not reach these areas. These deaths have also confirmed that stigma and discrimination still are prevalent in our Hills, even with the medical faculty. The last six patients died in DDMA as government facilities claim that they are unable to treat positive people. People do not die of HIV but they die of discrimination, discrimination that pushes them from medical facilities. Opportunistic Infections which finally kill positive people can be treated at any sub-divisional hospital, but the constant excuse is that they do not have the facility to deal with such patients. It's the willingness that is not there rather than the lack of information, skill or facility that stop these government doctors from helping positive people. One gets tired of hearing the line, 'We are not equipped to handle positive cases here…' from doctors. What happened to the PUBLIC SERVANT? And the oath of service they are supposed to take on graduation? The nurses in Eden Hospital are very helpful and it looks like the various meetings and discussions have definitely helped.

Dr. Plaban Das from DDMA has proven a shining star in this bleak update. Dr. Plaban worked in Nagaland previously and has a great understanding of the issue. He treats all the members for free and also gives a discount in the hospital. He has taken one of the members under his wing and is helping her upgrade her medical skills so that she can become a paramedic for the foundation. By the way, Dr. Plaban is getting top notch international plastic surgeons to DDMA for a conference. In the conference 4 patients, selected on a needs basis, are getting a free surgery many others at cost price. JAI Dr. Plaban.
During the two weeks strike that was rocking Darjeeling, we realized how difficult political situations make marginal communities further marginalized. Siliguri became very difficult to reach and that's where Anti Retro-viral Therapy, CD4 count test, Opportunistic Infections treatement are available. Then it was the reaching out to patients in far flung areas without communication facilities. It was harrowing and testing times for the members with some being stranded in Siliguri and others needing to get to Siliguri. We also made a lot of friends in those days and help came from unexpected quarters. Dr. Plaban arranged for ambulances to pick up members from Siliguri, sad the driver got slapped on the way down by one of the macho picketing guys. I hope in Gorkhaland, positive people's rights and dignity will be respected.
During the strike we lost 5 patients consecutively in 5 days. Network ma pani panchak lagdo rahecha. Discrimination raised its ugly head when the family of one of the patients refused to receive the dead body. Negotiations with the Samaj finally resolved the issue of last rites. Even in death one is discriminated against. Darjeeling Hills' culture is a culture of unconditional social support in times of death, birth, marriages and sickness. This is what sets us apart from other cultures that have evolved from Nepali roots, yet the need for further evolution is evident with this experience. To date only one Samaj has come forward in support of a positive patient in the hospital. In all the other cases the patient is just dumped on the Network. The Network has been providing care and support to all the patients but the Network also has limited resources both in terms of people and finances. I have never come across a group of people who provide such unconditional service with hardly any resources. One must also remember that they themselves are immuno-compromised.

Worldwide it has been found that public declarations by positive people are an inspiration for other positive people, advance the promotion of rights of positive people and enable the prevention process. This understanding in reality is true but what it doesn't talk about is the extreme sacrifice these people have to face to go public. The 5 people who came out in public with their status have faced discrimination in some way or the other. 3 of them are no longer living with their families and have moved to a different town while continuing their service to society. Hari and Shanker Da are the only ones still living with their families. But they also face discrimination in subtle ways constantly. They are constantly in the public eye which is extremely judgmental and unforgiving. The need to give a face to HIV in the Darjeeling Hills and advocate for their rights prompted the 5 to take this courageous stand to go public. Their strength is also a positive example of living and loving for other invisible positive people. One tends to feel that it is ignorance that pushes people to such behaviour and this is true to some extent, but these past few months we have met people who are hiding their positive family member even when they are highly informed about HIV.

Calendars are still being sold even though it is the 3rd month of 2008. Help promised has not been delivered and we have had a few cases where people have mentioned that this is a bad cause and these people need to be shot. Easy way out huh, we be martial race and Aayo Gorkhali is the solution. Sometimes I feel we are a race of mercenaries, ready to kill and die for others. But overall the calendars have been doing great. Mrs. Mehatab has sold 110 till date; Products Himalaya 100 and so on and so forth… impossible to mention all but our people are definitely charitable. One must not forget all the people who sponsored the pages too. The members are now going to educational institutions selling calendars as well as fixing appointments for awareness programmes in these institutions. WE WILL HAVE CALENDARS BY OCTOBER THIS 2008 for 2009

THIS 2008 for 2009
Awareness programmes have been going on full swing with other NGOs. Strategically the most important one is the training that the Network has been providing to Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS is a government programme) health workers at the block levels. This will definitely go a long way in pushing public awareness forward to rural areas. By product, the ICDS has sold 100 calendars. We even had one awareness programme with the Bar in Darjeeling. This was a great experience and the Bar has offered free legal services to the members. THANK YOU BAR ASSOCIATION and ICDS. Tashi has been the technical expert in the awareness programme especially when the presentation is on rights. With her legal background from a human rights perspective and having worked at a national level she has become a permanent feature of the awareness programmes.
The sale of calendars is a great support for the treatment of the patients. The calanders have finally reaches Delhi. SORRY for the DELAY
There is need to expand the awareness programmes so please pass on the message or facilitate the organisation of awareness programmes in your work place and locality and we will be there.

The awareness programmes not only spread the information on HIV but expand the FRIENDS OF SHANKER and also increase confidence and esteem of the members. In these awareness programmes more and more members are coming out in the open with their personal life sharings. Typically the awareness programme is divided into: 1. HIV/AIDS and STI – technical input 2. Shanker Foundation – history, need and activities 3. Stigma and Discrimination and Rights of PLWHA 4. Personal Sharing by PLWHA 5. Plan of Action

We need to take the programmes to Kurseong, Mirik and Kalimpong and your help is required to spread the message TAKE THE LEAD peace

roshan

Global AIDS Week of Action 18-24 May, 2008

2008-03-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

Global AIDS Week of Action 18-24 May, 2008

One week. One voice

Is the world doing enough to stop AIDS? Take action in your country and show solidarity globally. Join a groundswell of civil society voices from across the world during the week of 18-24 May to demand urgency, accountability and more resources in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

WHY: The severe impact of the AIDS pandemic on families, communities and economies is commonly acknowledged by scientists, the media and politicians the world over. However, more than 25 years later the losses remain stark: AIDS continues to kill almost 6000 people each day and more than 2 out of 3 HIV positive people still lack access to treatment. While women make up an increasing proportion of those living with HIV and bear a greater burden of care, current AIDS responses do not tackle the violation of women's rights – a key driver of the pandemic.

For the past two years during the Global AIDS Week of Action, activists have organised actions in over 30 countries to hold world leaders accountable on their landmark commitment to fight AIDS made at the United National General Assembly Special Session on AIDS (UNGASS) in 2001.

In 2005 world leaders made another historic promise on universal access, committing to: "developing and implementing a package for HIV prevention, treatment and care with the aim of coming as close as possible to the goal of universal access to treatment by 2010."The world needs to honour this ambitious promise to stop the needless deaths of women, men and children. Our governments must meet their national targets for universal access to treatment prevention, care and support. Multinational drug companies must stop putting profits before people. Rich nations, including the G8, must back their warm words on AIDS with real funds.The Global AIDS Week of Action is the defining mobilisation moment before world leaders report back to the UN on the progress they have made to meet their commitments on HIV and AIDS. So as our governments boast about their efforts at the UN meeting in New York, in cities from Abuja to Phnom Penh and Delhi to Lilongwe, citizens will call on them to deliver on their promises.WHEN: The Global AIDS Week of Action from 18-24 May 2008 is an opportunity for activists around the world to stand together, generate political pressure and demand action from our leaders. The week starts with the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day on 18 May – a Sunday when the world recognizes and remembers those who have died of AIDS. The week of action is just two weeks before a high level meeting at the UN discusses the progress made by each of our governments in the fight against AIDS. In early July the club of rich nations (G8) meet in Japan – let them know that the world is watching to see if they put money where their mouth is and agree a funding plan for the universal access goal.

HOW: Between now and the end of May, it's time to take action. You bring together fellow activists in your country to plan what action to take and what demands to make of your government. You then share your plans with friends and activists in other countries through the Global AIDS Week website, www.globalaidsweek.org.

Communication of your ideas and plans is the glue that will bind all our actions together and send a strong message to world leaders.Are you ready to join the Global AIDS Week of Action: Take the initiative by sending an email with the plans agreed by activists in your country to info@globalaidsweek.org and we will add you to the list of active countries and send you updates. Then log on to the website to see your actions listed!

There is no global secretariat or chief organiser – the groups listed below are joining forces to make this call, and the rest is up to you. The success of the Global AIDS Week of Action depends entirely on committed people and networks working together in a coalition in their own countries. During this one week we must show solidarity internationally by campaigning nationally.

To see what people did in 2007, go to: www.globalaidsweek.org

JOINT CALL TO ACTION by:ActionAid InternationalAfrican Civil Society Coalition on AIDSAIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA)Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+)The Coalition of Asia Pacific Regional Network on HIV/AIDS (the Seven Sisters)Global Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+)Health & Development Network (HDN)International HIV and AIDS AllianceInternational Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC)MWENGO (Mwelekeo Wa Ngo)Pan-African Treatment Access Movement (PATAM)Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)World AIDS Campaign

●ACCESS TO TREATMENT●END HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS●FUNDING FOR AIDS●END DONOR CONDITIONALITY●EVIDENCE-BASED PREVENTION ●END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN●INVEST IN HEALTH WORKERS●END STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION●HEALTH SYSTEMS FOR ALL!

One week to make leaders keep their promises. Let's make a big noise.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-06T03:33:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR and may the new year bring all the positive energy in your lives. We spent the 31st Dec selling the positive calander in town and did get a positive response. We still need more people to buy the calander. Later we had to shift one of our members to a private nursing home which has a more congenial environment to positive people. The government Doctor started shirking from his duty once the status was known to him. This is the state of affairs even with doctors as we bid 2007 goodbye. But, there are also very supportive doctors as in this private nursing home. The member is recovering well. The same day the President of Shanker Foundation had to file an official compliant about a governement doctor from NBMC who wanted the patients to come to his clinic and refused his services at the government facility which is free. He also offered commission to one of the members if he brings patients to him. An official complaint has been lodged against the doctor. A strong way to bid 2007 goodbye. Lots of positive work is happening and as 2008 approaches we build on the experiences and struggles of the last year and strengthen our work further. We need you solidarity and support. Battles have been won but the war is not over as yet. HAPPY NEW YEAR

World AIDS DAY

2008-01-06T03:30:00.001-08:00

We did manage to rustle up a World AIDS Day in Darjeeling on the 1st Dec at Hayden Hall. We had flex put up with the Take the Lead to Stop AIDS by Keeping the Promise in prominent places and also in Batasia with Hari DjNP+ President on it. We had a huge turnover and people had to stand in the Hall, we easily crossed 500 people and many Samaj leaders. 200 plus students so a very good mix and not to forget a bunch of Gay Pride folk in the crowd. It was a great day for me as we had none dignitaries on the dias and we started exactly on time at 10 am with a Sarva Dharma Prayer for the people who passed away with HIV/AIDS, people and families living with HIV and working with HIV and also for soceity to be able to accept positive people and families. The prayers were from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Islam faiths. We had Major Malla Convenor, World AIDS Day Committee, welcoming everyone followed by Hari Chettri, President DjNP+ sharing and calling all to talk about HIV/AIDS and accept positive people. This is a great achievement as in the past WAD positive people had no space for expression on stage except to march in the rally. Dr. Sabina Rongong(Shanker Foundation and Friends) gave a technical input on HIV/AIDS and safe blood donation with an appeal to Samaj to organise blood donation camps year long. A panel discussion and question hour round with 3 government Doctors, Dr. Sabina, Dr. Bag(VCCTC) and CMOH was facilitated. Tashi(Shanker Foundation and Friends), a lawyer, presented on HIV/AIDS socio-legal perspectives. Mr. Sharma, Member Secretary Darjeeling AIDS Control Centre, Hari Chettri and Dinesh Daju, Convenor Darjeeling NGO Network released The 2008 Positive Calander and 3 documentaries. 4 documentaries were screened, one of them documenting the difficulty of accesing ART for the positive people from Darjeeling from NBMC. The calender is priced Rs. 75/- minimum in the Darjeeling Hills. The WAD ended with renewal call to Take the Lead by Mr. Sharma. The WAD will be followed by further screening of the movies and getting literature out to the Samajs. Thank you one and all who supported the effort of WAD. You have taken the lead.

The Positive Calendar has arrived!!!

2007-12-04T02:10:00.000-08:00

Its finally arrived, the Shanker Foundation Calendar for 2008!!!

Show you care by buying a Shanker Foundation Calendar and help people living with HIV AIDS in Darjeeling. An ideal gift for your loved ones for the year 2008

Available at Glenarys, Das Studio and Products Himalaya

For further InformationContact -

Roshan Rai +91-9932024812

Vikram Rai +91-9832042879

2007-11-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Thanks for a lovely interaction in Cocktails and Dreams on 24th November. Your presence of solidarity with Shanker Foundation DjNP+ on that day furthers the vision of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ of dignity and right to life of people and families living with HIV/AIDS. It was a great beginning of the Delhi Chapter of Shanker Foundation and Friends. The Delhi Chapter has tremendous potential of not only partnering with the DjNP+ in Darjeeling but work towards awareness in Delhi with all our people who are working in the unorganized sector. By your presence and access to powers that be of our country you can work on policy changes which would be of tremendous benefit not just to Darjeeling but other regions in India of similar socio-ecological systems.

We can take this forward one day at a time with some the decisions that we came upon that day:
1. Start a forum for Shanker Foundation and Friends - Delhi
2. Get more people into the Shanker Foundation and Friends – Delhi
3. Read up on Shanker Foundation DjNP+ at http://shankerfoundation.blogspot.com, http://darjeelingnews.net/forumdarjeeling - NGOs - Shanker Foundation
4. Fund raise with the 2008 calendar
5. Take the Lead by talking about HIV/AIDS

The calendar seems to be pretty ready and yes we did take the pains of correcting in the printer even though it had already gone for printing. Increases the cost slightly but as you all said it is worth the first impression.

I walked into a war zone in Darjeeling town, one day late with the strikes, with the huge number of security people in town. Reminded me of the Andolon Days and was pretty nerve racking with all the positive energy I had picked up in Delhi. Hopefully things will gain some amount of normalcy tomorrow, had a pretty huge peace and anti-bandh rally today from Chowrastha to Lower market traffic police station. The situation has upset the World AIDS day programme and we are having an emergency meeting tomorrow. Will update you along the way.

Thank you Nischal and Sujata for the positive initiative to get things happening in Delhi and yeah the hospitality of Cocktails and Dreams. Thank you one and all who were there on 24th in body and many more in spirit whose presence was felt even in their absence.

Yours in solidarity,
Roshan
Take the Lead and Lets talk about HIV/AIDS

Shanker Foundation DjNP+ and Friends in Delhi

2007-11-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

Take the Lead and be a part of Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People and Friends by proactively participating in a discussion on 24th November 2007 at 3: 00 pm at:
COCKTAILS AND DREAMS,
B4/223, Safdarjung Enclave, near Safdarjung Flying Club, New Delhi.

HIV/AIDS is an integral part of Darjeeling society with a significant number of people infected and affected by the virus.

Various myths and misconceptions on HIV/AIDS persist in our society resulting in the discrimination of people and families living with HIV/AIDS. There is stigma still attached to HIV/AIDS. One constantly finds the rights of positive people denied by all sections of society in our Darjeeling Hills.

The Shanker Foundation Darjeeling Network of Positive People (DjNP+) is a forum addressing the concerns of people living with HIV in the Darjeeling Hills. It has evolved as a network of Positive People in the Darjeeling Hills since its inception as Shrist in 2005. It is part of the Bengal Network of Positive People and the Indian Network of Positive People.

It believes and promotes the dignity and right to life of persons living with the disease. It provides care and support to Positive People.

The foundation has members from all walks of life: mothers, young adults, children…the list is endless and increasing rapidly. The disease is yet to be accepted due to lack of awareness. Increasing number of women and children living with HIV is adding challenges to the Network.

The foundation has been reaching out to other people with HIV/AIDS, mostly economically disadvantaged, with very little means of support. The challenge of constant care and support of the increasing number of people living with the disease is a daunting task.

TAKE THE LEAD

This year the theme of “TAKE THE LEAD” builds on last year theme of accountability to stop AIDS by keeping the promise. All of us are called to be leaders of our family, friends, colleagues and community. Take the lead and talk about HIV/AIDS with your family, friends, colleagues and community. Open your welcoming arms of love to people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Be a partner in providing care and support to PLWHA. Advocate proactively for the rights of PLWHA.

Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. - Lord Buddha

Be a Leader

2007-11-06T04:21:00.000-08:00

TAKE THE LEAD

This year the theme of “TAKE THE LEAD” builds on last year theme of accountability to stop AIDS by keeping the promise. All of us are called to be leaders of our family, friends, colleagues and community. Take the lead and talk about HIV/AIDS with your family, friends, colleagues and community. Open your welcoming arms of love to people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Be a partner in providing care and support to PLWHA. Advocate proactively for the rights of PLWHA.

HIV/AIDS and the Darjeeling Hills

Existing data on the HIV/AIDS status is questioned by experts. They point to several compelling factors to support their opinion:

Very few people opt for testing due to lack of awareness and fear of a social scrutiny. Moreover, although blood donations are screened, donors are not notified of their HIV status.
Awareness programmes only cater to the urban populace and lack a strong connection to the rural populace of Darjeeling.
The VCCTC is located in the urban areas with limited access and to the rural population
The poor economy of the region and massive unemployment has given rise to a large migrant labourer population and sex workers.
High risk groups such as intra-venous drug users, drivers, migrant workers, flying sex workers leaving and coming into Darjeeling, have limited access to HIV/AIDS awareness programs.
We also have a large male population in the defense who are away from home for long periods of time
Most institutions do not impart sex education to pupils, let alone HIV/AIDS awareness

Societal Response:

Denial – A state of denial exists in society and the individual. The society has yet to accept HIV/AIDS as its issue. This state of denial pushes HIV/AIDS to the margins and necessary actions are relegated as an unimportant issue. HIV/AIDS is a developmental issue affecting all of us, yet it is never discussed as one, in all walks of life. At an individual level, most people look at HIV/AIDS as something that will not affect him or herself, indulging in high risk behaviour or not accepting positive people.
Stigma and Discrimination – This state of denial, the image that is created around HIV/AIDS and myths and misconception of HIV/AIDS has led to a very high stigma on HIV/AIDS. The stigma prevails in the Darjeeling hills too denying the right to a dignified life for the people and families living with HIV/AIDS.

Results of existing situation of HIV/AIDS in Darjeeling

People and families living with HIV/AIDS are denied a dignified life
HIV/AIDS gets hidden
Rapid spread of HIV/AIDS

TAKE THE LEAD

Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of the candle will not be shortened. - Lord Buddha

World AIDS Day 2007 Theme: Leadership

2007-11-06T03:43:00.000-08:00

The theme for World AIDS Day 2007 and 2008 is “LEADERSHIP”. This theme will continue to be promoted with the campaigning slogan, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.”

Why the theme of leadership?

Since the beginning of the epidemic, experience has clearly demonstrated that significant advances in the response to HIV have been achieved when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders are distinguished by their action, innovation and vision; their personal example and engagement of others; and their perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges. However, leaders are often not those in the highest offices. Leadership must be demonstrated at every level to get ahead of the disease - in families, in communities, in countries and internationally. Much of the best leadership on AIDS has been demonstrated within civil society organisations challenging the status quo. Making leadership the theme of the next two World AIDS Days will help encourage leadership on AIDS within all levels and sectors of society. We hope it will inspire and foster champions within a range of different groups and networks at local and international levels.

Leadership as a theme follows and builds on the 2006 theme of accountability. In 2006 a number of milestones were reached where accountability was particularly crucial. It was the year of the United Nations High Level Meeting on AIDS, which reviewed the progress on the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS – an important blueprint for reaching the Millennium Development Goals on AIDS. 2006 marked the fifth year anniversary of the African Abuja Declaration. 2006 was also the year in which national targets were set, or should have been set, by governments for achieving Universal Access to Treatment, Prevention, Support and Care by 2010. In addition, at 2006’s International AIDS Conference, “accountability” was the buzzword throughout the global forum, reflecting the conference’s theme,“Time to Deliver.”

Despite the efforts to hold leaders accountable in 2006, progress in halting HIV is falling far short of targets. Over 25 million people have been lost to AIDS so far, and 4.3 million people were infected with HIV 2006. The spread of HIV is quickening – with more people infected in 2006 than in any previous year. This is despite the number of promises by world leaders to provide services to curb the rates of infection and to bring down death rates. The G8 has made commitments on AIDS which now need to be delivered upon. In other high level meetings, governments of rich countries promised to increase the spending on development aid to 0.7 percent of their annual budget. Only a handful of countries have done so. In the Abuja Declaration, African leaders committed to allocating 15 percent of their budgets to health. This has happened in just one or two countries, with only one-third of African countries spending over 10 percent. Promises are not being kept because there is a lack of leadership at every level.

Using the theme

As with past World AIDS Day themes, leadership has been chosen as a loose global campaigning concept. Local campaign themes and World AIDS Day messages are best shaped at national, or community levels, where campaigns can tailor the theme towards their specific situation or constituency. Where possible, campaigners are encouraged to link local messages to the leadership theme, particularly around World AIDS Day. This helps maximise national, regional and international visibility of global campaigning efforts on AIDS. Also where possible, we encourage the use of the slogan “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.” in the accompanying language of World AIDS Day materials.

The principle behind all the work of the World AIDS Campaign is that local messages should underpin all global campaigning efforts. Whatever messages are most appropriate for AIDS campaigning work can be promoted with the leadership message. The theme of leadership is offered as a vehicle for uniting efforts within a common global message. World AIDS Campaign themes have a number of campaigning functions, including:

helping to generate media coverage for AIDS and World AIDS Day.
providing organisations who have limited resources access to meaningful campaigning materials.
enhancing solidarity within the global response to AIDS through working through an united effort.
galvanising action both nationally and internationally in a way that other smaller scale efforts can not by representing a world AIDS campaigning message.

Where the global campaigning theme of leadership detracts from the impact of local efforts it should not be used. In any situation where the global campaigning theme is seen as diminishing the autonomy of local campaigning voices it should not be used. The global theme offers only a loose organising principle where it compliments existing or emerging campaigning efforts.

One advantage of using the theme, particularly around World AIDS Day, is that it can offer a universally recognised vehicle for promoting a wide range of AIDS issues. The media, governments, local businesses, and a range of institutions locally and globally embrace World AIDS Day, and the annual theme that accompanies it, as an opportunity to demonstrate commitment and action on AIDS. So a diverse range of campaigners can use the theme to promote their causes. Campaigns could be politically orientated towards government, for example, “Leadership on treatment now: we are still dying. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.” Or they could be designed to mobilise a certain sector within a common cause, for example “Textile workers, lead the fight against AIDS in your workplace.” The theme of leadership is designed to be as flexible as possible to accommodate a range of campaigning needs.

The World AIDS Campaign International Support Team will be working with a range of global networks to develop materials which are adaptable to many different situations. More guidance and campaigning notes will be circulated throughout the year. As in 2006, posters, leaflets and CD-ROMs will be developed and distributed. These will be available from around August 2007 in a number of languages, including French, Spanish, Russian, Swahili and English. Other language versions, particularly African languages, will also be offered via electronic distribution.

Background on World AIDS Day themes

COURTESY: www.worldaidscampaign.info

The Positive Calendar 2008

2007-10-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

The social stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS has made it extremely difficult for Shanker Foundation to come out in the open. In this regard, Shanker Foundation has decided to take out a Calendar for the year 2008 in order to raise awareness on HIV & AIDS as well as raise funds for the network. In this calendar, which depicts the day to day activities of the network members, 5 of the active members have decided to come out in the open as a means of giving a face to HIV AIDS in the Darjeeling Hills to reduce stigma.

We would like to request you and your organization to kindly support this initiative by sponsoring one of the pages of the Calendar for 2008. The name and logo of your organization will be featured prominently on the page that you sponsor. We are printing 2000 copies of the Calendar which will be distributed in the Darjeeling Hills and will also be sent all across India and the world.

For further details and information please contact

Namrata Edwards @ 9851150132 and Samir Sharma @ 9434209887

Here's looking forward to a positive response.

Shanker Foundation Darjeeling 18 October 2007

2007-10-18T02:09:00.000-07:00

Shanker Foundation Darjeeling has started awareness and advocation rights of People Living with HIV AIDS (PLWHA) in schools and colleges and different communities (samsjs) of Darjeeling. As part of the initial batch of schools, Shanker Foundation covered St.Teresa's and Loreto Convent. Shanker Foundation held an awareness programme in St Teresa's Girls High School for students of classes IX, X, XI and XII. This programme was to give vital info on HIV and AIDS and introduce the youth to Shanker Foundation as a district network of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Namrata Edwards, volunteer, gave an introduction on the foundation.The programme consisted of basic education on HIV and AIDS. The medical and clinical information was provided by Dr. Sabina Rongong, who has been helping the Foundation since its inception. This was followed by a session on drug addiction in relation to HIV and AIDS by Rajan Dewan from KRIPA Project. A session on HIV,AIDS,Law and Human Rights was conducted by Tashi.C.Sherpa, covering the role of law and human rights, vis-a vis, HIV and AIDS. The most important aspect of the programme was the experience sharing by Shankar Mani, Lawrence and Hari, members of Shanker Foundation. Sharing experiences is an important part of the programme as it helps in giving HIV/AIDS, a human face. The programme ended with a an open house and questions. Shanker Foundation had an awareness programme in Loreto Convent School. The programme was well recieved and attended by all the students.

There are plans to cover at least ten schools in the Darjeeling Hills before the end of this year. Shanker Foundation has been conducting awareness programmes in various Samaj Ghar also and we hope that these pragrammes will go a long way in providing community support, prevention and reduction in the stigma and discrimination against HIV & AIDS.

Activities undertaken till date by Shanker Foundation Darjeeling

2007-10-14T03:33:00.000-07:00

The DjNP+ got formally registered under the West Bengal Societies Act in 2006 making it a legal entity. The DjNP+ is part of the Bengal Network of Positive People thus a part of the Indian Network of Positive People too.
DjNP+ has been strengthening its member base in the Darjeeling base and has opened offices in Darjeeling and Kalimpong subdivisions with the support of CHAI Project and DACC. These offices are drop in centres for counseling and care and support of Positive people and their friends and families. Work is underway to strengthen the network in other parts of Darjeeling Hills especially Kurseong,Kalimpong and Mirik.

On a day to day basis the DjNP+ provides care and support to positive people within the network through counseling, family visits and trainings. The counseling and training is focused on enhancing life skills of positive people and their families.

For members who are economically backward DjNP+ and Friends provide nutritional support. DjNP+ and Friends is a group of people who support the DjNP+.

Every Saturday a care and support meeting is held for positive people. Once a month care and support meeting is held for families living with HIV/AIDS

A close relationship with the VCCTC and also with the credibility that has been established, DjNP+ has been extending care and support to positive people who are not part of the network but get admitted to the government hospital in Darjeeling. This care and support is done voluntarily and when needed the patients are taken to North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri for referrals. Post referrals are taken to Jesu Ashram, Siliguri; Glenn Owen Foundation Centre, Kalimpong. Case by case basis the DjNP+ and Friends raise funds locally for the care and support.

The DjNP+ has been conducting awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS and rights of People and Families living with HIV/AIDS at community levels in the Darjeeling Hills. The awareness is conducted with the objectives of prevention and stigma removal. These programmes are conducted in partnership with DjNP+ and Friends and Anugyalaya DDSSS.

DjNP+ has also conducted focused sensitization with Elected Representatives, Bureaucrats and Media Representatives with the objective of developing a Positive People friendly environment and policies.

On 27th July 2007 five of our members came out in front of the media including names and photographs to give a face to the Network, give hope to the positive people of Darjeeling as well as reduce stigma and discrimination.

The issues and concerns of Shanker Foundation DjNP +

2007-10-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

1. Societal stigma and discrimination
2. Lack of Resources – Personnel and Financial
• All positive people admitted to Darjeeling Government Hospital and from VCCTC are referred to Shanker Foundation, thus making Shanker Foundation responsible for care and support without any financial support
3. Insufficient supportive medical environment:
Personnel:
• Insufficient trained and sensitive Doctors, Nurses and other hospital staff
• Lack of trained Extension Health Workers – both rural and urban
• Insufficient trained and sensitive staff at the Voluntary Confidential Counseling and Testing Centre (VCCTC) and Prevention of Parent to Child Transfer Centre (PPCTC)
Infrastructure:
• Insufficient VCCTC and PPCTC with all necessary facilities to cover at-least all subdivisions headquarters
• No Outdoor facilities
• Insufficient supportive and sensitive space in Government Hospitals
• Ambulance facilities
4. Only one Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre in Darjeeling Sadar Hospital making it extremely difficult for rural communities and people from the other subdivisions to access it
5. Lack of proper Prevention of Parent to Child Transfer Centre
6. Access to CD 4 count Test which can be only be done in the nearest Teaching Hospital, which for us is the North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri. This is free for the BPL but the journey back and forth is very challenging for people of the hills
7. Access to anti retro viral therapy is also given by the North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri which is a life long treatment making it difficult for members to access it.
8. Access to anti retroviral therapy for children
9. Access to Opportunistic infections treatment
10. Nutrition support to members of the Network
11. Access to decision and proactive participation making process with respect to HIV/AIDS in the Darjeeling Hills.
12. Access to decision and proactive participation making process with respect to HIV/AIDS in the Darjeeling Hills.
13. Active participation of local government and community

HIV/AIDS and the Darjeeling Hills

2007-10-14T01:16:00.000-07:00

The Darjeeling Hills are a highly vulnerable area with regards to HIV/AIDS. The backwardness of the region leading to high migration, intra-venous drug users, floating sex worker population, awareness focused in urban areas only are cross cutting factors resulting in the vulnerability.

In 1996, under the impetus of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Darjeeling, the Darjeeling AIDS Control Centre (DACC) was established with a few NGOs and Societies working under it. The region’s only Voluntary Confidential Counseling and Testing Centre (VCCTC) started functioning from April 2002. To date, 2480 persons have undergone testing, of which 116 were found to be HIV positive (31st May 2007 VCCTC report)and 60 of them are the members of Shanker Foundation DjNP+. However, experts are skeptical about the accuracy of present data to extrapolate for the entire hills, stating that the actual figure is far more startling.

They point to several compelling factors to support their opinion:

• Very few people opt for testing due to lack of awareness and fear of a social scrutiny. Moreover, although blood donations are screened, donors are not notified of their HIV status.
• Awareness programmes only cater to the urban populace and lack a strong connection to the rural populace of Darjeeling.
• The VCCTC is located in the urban areas with limited access and to the rural population
• The poor economy of the region and massive unemployment has given rise to a large migrant labourer population and sex workers.
• High risk groups such as intra-venous drug users drivers, migrant porters, flying sex workers and labourers, leaving and coming into Darjeeling, have limited access to HIV/AIDS awareness programs.
We also have a large male population in the defense who are away from home for long periods of time
• Most institutions do not impart sex education to pupils, let alone HIV/AIDS awareness