Guest guest Posted June 2, 2006 Report Share Posted June 2, 2006 Buladi campaign censored. Buddha govt plays morality police Ravik Bhattacharya Posted online: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 0000 hrs Kolkata, May 30:Donning the role of the morality police, the Left Front Government has ordered that the Buladi AIDS awareness campaign — which has been running since December 2004 — be changed to omit the use of ‘‘offending’’ words and phrases. Besides being successful, the campaign also involved government funds of over Rs 10 crore. Its reach was widespread — billboards, FM radio, TV spots, posters, community football matches and discotheques. The government has taken the decision following objections from sections of society, including various schools and hospitals, over the use of words like ‘‘sangam’’, ‘‘condom’’ and jingles like ‘‘hum tum ek kamre me band hain’’. Experts warn that at a time when HIV infection in the State has risen to 0.9 per cent, the disruption in the campaign could hamper the AIDS awareness movement. Interestingly, the State Government’s recent move in introducing sex education in schools was also mired in controversy. The campaign, as it is now, features Buladi, representing a middle-class housewife, draped in a blue sari and carrying a jhola. The advertisements tell people to consult Buladi in case of any sexual problems. A toll-free 24-hour helpline is also given. The campaign was developed by Ogilvy and Mather, Kolkata, for the West Bengal State AIDS Control and Prevention Society (WBSACPS) which falls under the State Health Department. ‘‘There were protests from certain sections, so we have been directed to drop the present mode of campaign. There were reservations expressed over words like sangam, and phrases like amod ullash korun, kintu condom rakhun (have sex but use a condom). It is alleged that the campaign is having a negative impact on children,’’ said Monidipa Mukherjee, deputy director of WBSACPS. ‘‘The decision to change the language will negatively affect our fight against HIV-AIDS in the State. A section of people even objected to the background song, hum tum ek kamre me bandh ho, in one of our advertisements. One must overcome prejudices and face the threat of the disease in a straightforward manner. Such commonly-used words and phrases communicate better with prostitutes, truckers and migrant labourers,’’ she added. http://www.indianexpress.com/story/5485.html# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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