Chandigarh: Thousands rally for a cause

[Guest guest]

Thousands rally for a cause

Naveen S. Garewal, Chandigarh, March 22

Thousands of people from all walks of life, many infected with HIV,

took to the streets here today to spread awareness about the dreaded

disease. Joined under the banner of most city-based NGOs working

with AIDS patients and the Chandigarh Aids Control Society, the

volunteers marched through various sectors, starting at City Centre

in Sector 17 and terminating their awareness drive on the Panjab

University campus.

" I am living with HIV, but I do not want anyone in the world to

contract this deadly disease. Just a little awareness about the

disease can prevent many more from contracting it, " said Ms Manju, a

sex worker who does not know where and when she picked up the virus

that was detected during a routine check-up two years ago.

Dr Avnish Jolly, coordinator, Chandigarh AIDS Helpline, said there

was more enthusiasm among residents of colonies and villages on the

peripheries of Chandigarh compared to others. " These people

genuinely feel for the victims and feel that they can contribute in

curbing this disease by participating in such awareness rallies. "

The helpline on AIDS has received over 8.5 lakh calls from people

across the region seeking information on prevention as well as

treatment of AIDS. Many callers are young students who want to

dispel their doubts about the disease, Dr Jolly said.

With painted bodies and red ribbon, AIDS symbol in their hands, the

volunteers lent a very colourful mood to the entire procession. Some

had caps with " Launch a war against AIDS " written on them, others

had painted their clothes and bodies with white colour with messages

of " Make Chandigarh AIDS free " written on placards and their clothes.

The president of the Chandigarh HIV Awareness Group, Ms Pooja, told

The Tribune that she was working with a group of four employees at

an AIDS awareness centre. " We go from place to place telling people

who are potential victims about the disease and modestly looking at

our efforts, I can say we have made a difference to the lives of

many, who are much more vigilant about the disease with our help. "

Infected through blood transfusion after an accident, Mr Ranbir (now

33) has a tragic tale to tell. He contracted HIV when he was given

blood after an accident at the PGI in 1991. He discovered he was HIV

positive six years ago and has been living with the trauma ever

since. " I have a son who is perfectly normal. My wife, too, is ok. I

am thankful to God for this and as a thanksgiving gesture I

contribute my bit in educating people about the disease, " he said.

Many people belonging to educated families are suffering from HIV,

shattering the myth that only the uneducated and poor contract this

disease. Many of them have got the infection through blood

transfusion after an accident or surgery. The NGOs that participated

in today's awareness campaign and are actively working with HIV

patients and spreading awareness on the issue include the State AIDS

Control Society , the Servants of People Society, the Family

Planning Association and Sehat and Swach. Zulfi Khan staged a street

play at Panjab University on the subject of HIV.

Tribune News Service

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060323/cth1.htm#1