NO MORE RED RIBBON:
A STRONG POLITICAL MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE WITH HIV IN INDIA

The Karavali Positive Women and Children Network in collaboration
with the Center for Psychological Counselling, Bangalore University,
organized an HIV National Convention at Siddalingeshwara Kalyana
Mantapa, Banashankari III Stage, Bangalore, on 1 and 2 Oct 2005. The
first day was attended by over 1200 HIV infected and affected
people, and professionals representing Government and Non-government
organizations and the media.

The highlight of the first day was focused group discussions
involving people with HIV, where they discussed their needs and
concerns. The outcomes of these discussions were a list of
resolutions brought out by the participants.

A march was organized in the afternoon by HIV affected people, who
took to the streets holding up their demands and resolutions on
banners. The march took place on the Banashankari 100ft Ring Road
between Kamakya Theater and Devegowda Petrol Bunk. The students of
the Prarthana School also joined in the march.

A large six-foot red ribbon was destroyed to symbolize the first
resolution of the convention. The purpose of this being to remove
the social stigma, labeling and sense of finality related to HIV.
Smt. Veenadhari announced that all organizations working for HIV
affected people must stop using the symbol of the red-ribbon in one
month's time.

The inauguration on day one of the convention was presided over by
Dr. M S Thimmappa, Vice Chancellor, Bangalore University and
inaugurated by Mr. Ravi Belagere, Hi Bangalore. Smt. Veenadhari,
Convener, Karavali Positive Women and Children Network welcomed the
gathering and spoke about the objectives of the convention. The
chief guest, Ms. Anju Singh, Coordinator, Joint Action Council
Kannur (JACK India), New Delhi addressed the gathering. Rev Fr
George Kannanthanam, Director, Sumanahalli Society delivered the
vote of thanks.

On the second day, the dignitaries present on the dais were Smt.
Sumithra Gandhi Kulkarni, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, Smt.
Veenadhari, Smt Kaushalya, Sri. Ravi Belagere and Sri. Purushothaman

Dr. M S Thimmappa, Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, in his
Presidential address, said that each individual is interconnected to
everything in nature around himself, and as a result he is never
alone. We are responsible for this virus as we are contaminating the
earth, and therefore the connection between man and nature has been
contaminated. The treatment of any individual needs to be holistic,
as health means a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, we need
to call upon our own inner resources to deal with this disease.

While addressing the gathering, Ms. Anju Singh spoke about the
stigma attached to HIV and AIDS, and the adverse effects and
influence of the media in certain circumstances. Further, she
expressed appreciation to the organizers of the event and wished
that the convention would be a success. She stressed the need for
addressing the needs of people with HIV, as HIV first affects the
human spirit, then human relationships, and ultimately the fabric of
society. She also stated that the effect that it has on the self-
esteem of people is the most primary issue to be dealt with. She
said that she hopes that this convention is a platform to celebrate
the human spirit.

Mr. Purushothaman, General Convenor of JACKINDIA, New Delhi, spoke
of the example of the level of discrimination against people with
HIV and the stigma that developed in Chochi village in Haryana, and
the difficulty and effort that went into fighting this
discrimination. Referring to the fact that the convention was being
held on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, he said that he had visited
all the places where Gandhi had spent his time, in an attempt to
understand and imbibe some of the spirit of this great legend of the
20th century. Laying claim on Gandhi's emphasis on truth, he
declared that HIV would be driven out of this country within two
years, and urged the delegates to resolve that they would not
succumb to the negative message of HIV for these two years,
promising that thereafter, no one in this country would die from
HIV/AIDS.

Smt. Sumithra Gandhi Kulkarni, in her address as Chief Guest,
remembered Mahatma Gandhi as the Father of our nation and reminded
the participants that emotional bonds being superior to physical
bonds – each one of the participants had as big, if not bigger,
claim to Gandhi than her. She congratulated the participants in
expressing their solidarity by keeping aside their fear and
hesitation and attending this meet. She added that several years
back, people were afraid of TB, but it is not so now. She said that
people could face anything, including a life with HIV, with self
confidence. She mentioned the need to promote, develop and research
indigenous methods of medicine. She also said that it is necessary
to develop a holistic concept including a positive outlook, self
confidence and maintenance of good food habits.

Dr Sudha Bhogle, Coordinator, Center for Psychological Counselling,
Bangalore University, stated that `This is the first convention of
its kind, organised by and for HIV positive persons, bringing
together and networking over 1500 HIV positive persons'. She added
that the Center for Psychological Counselling, Bangalore University
will conduct a Personality Development Programme for HIV affected
children on 14 and 15 November this year as part of the Children's
Day programmes.

In her welcome address, Ms. Veenadhari, the Organizing Secretary of
the convention emphasised that the rights of HIV positive
individuals have to be protected specially in the area of health
care, education and occupation. She also added that there is stigma
attached to the red ribbon used as a symbol of AIDS, and a lot of
injustice done to people with HIV. She urged the participants to
voice out concerns in national and international platforms and to
develop solidarity among themselves. She asserted, "We have to learn
that we are not alone, and with courage, let us assert that we are
no less, we should not be discriminated against."

Dr Romate John, Senior Counselling Psychologist at the Centre for
Psychological Counselling, and Social Activist said that this is the
first movement in South Asia, and the outcome of the convention will
have a significant impact on the society as a whole. HIV positive
people must gain political power and involve themselves in policy
making; only then their current socio political issues can be
addressed. There should be a national movement to gain political
power. There is a need for formulating a Social Activists' support
group. The red ribbon that stands as a symbol for HIV should be
removed, and people with HIV should be given an equal treatment in
society. Further, he said that it was landmark event in the history
of India that thousands of HIV positive attended a public convention
and took a stand to see that their rights were protected.

Mr Ravi Belegare from Hi Bangalore, in his Welcome address, said
that no disease should take away man from society, take away his
rights, or discriminate him from others. HIV should be discussed
like any other disease or disorder, with no fear. He appreciated the
efforts made by Veenadhari in coming out in the open and networking
with people with HIV. He declared that by March 15th 2006, a 100 bed
multispeciality hospital, meant specifically to cater to the
physical and psychological needs of people with HIV, will be opened.
He also said that though Karnataka stands fifth with regard to the
highest number of HIV positive individuals, it should be the first
in initiating prevention programmes and organizing participatory
meets for people with HIV. Therefore, the needs of the people with
HIV have to be expressed so that appropriate programmes may be
initiated. He urged the participants to love life have hope and
think positively.

In the vote of thanks, Fr George Kannanthanam appreciated the
institutions and organizations involved in organizing the convention
and expressed his regard towards Veenadhari's will power and
courage. He stated that the reason for this convention was to convey
to the people with HIV that they have the support of the people and
therefore they could express their concerns.

For further details, contact Center for Psychological Counselling,
at +91-80-23211486 or +91-9448936115 or log on to
www.bangaloreuniversitycounselling.com