[SAATHII]Re: Secretary of Health of Pakistan alarmed by Lucknow Incidents

[Guest guest]

I am writing to support the very eloquent and contained message that

Ashok Row Kavi has written in the aftermath of the Lucknow incident.

Knowing him, though very briefly, but witnessing the firey commitment

and love he has for all the marginalized, it is hard for me to imagine

his and his associates inner turmoil. Anger, nevertheless, as he

writes, has to be directed and channelled to produce results.

If this incident has taught me anything it is that the first act of

solidarity has to be to challenge the anti-sodomy law. Too long have

we danced around this issue. Unless and until this abhorable law

is removed, government officials, no matter how caring, are in a

bind. They can only help indirectly. They will watch in duplicity

as time and again other misguided but zealous government officials

create havoc.

So friends, I urge everyone to join behind a single cause (diluting

the march with ten issues will not serve anyone's interest) which

is to fight this law. It will also be the first indication that the

government has the will and understanding to fight HIV.

While the lawyers prepare a case, I can only suggest marches to the

central and state parliaments, asking for one and only one thing. " WE

ARE PROUD CITIZENS OF INDIA, RESTORE TO US OUR DIGNNITY, UNSHACKLE US

FROM A FALSE COLONNIAL LEGACY, REMOVE SECTION 377 OF THE INDIAN PENAL

CODE "

Best wishes and in solidarity

Rajan Gupta

E-mail: <rajan@...>