It’s not a big deal !
I love exploring the unexplored; I wish to do something different. I know it is dangerous, they say do not touch. Let me try and well it is not a big deal. May be I can do it !! These are some of the statements one gets to listens when one kick starts smoking, drinking or that matter using drugs. All of us know that these are bad but our urge to explore and proving ourselves as different, pressure of peers inclines us towards these so called poisons. They actually poison our health, and have long lasting effect on it. These are addictive, expensive; many a times even illegal too.
But lets us remember, it is our choice whether to take them or not. No one can force you if you do not want. It is just working with your urge, managing a question of big deal. Many of us say given a chance we can handle the responsibility, well, here is our chance! We need to take our onus on ourself and do it. Let us say it is not a big deal and stop using them or support others to get over it, off course without being judgmental. Family and friends are a great support. Say big NO to drugs.
- anil gulati
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
The power of will to fight HIV
Spiritual Gurus do say and even I do believe that our thoughts, moods, state of being and feelings are powerful influences on our health and immune system. Yesterday I was in training on HIV/AIDS wherein I had a chance to hear Pradeep (name changed) on his experience in fighting with HIV, which he and his wife had been living with HIV for last six years. One got moved not only because the way he narrated his story but the way he has been fighting the dreaded virus. More than anything the most powerful message one could get from his talk was that there is life beyond HIV. One needs a will to fight the infection and, which he had in him in plenty.
I presume the moment you have that positive will, you would do whatever is needed and advised to fight the HIV infection. I feel Pradeep is a fighter, a fighter with weapon of will with him. He not only motivates you and tells you that it is will which could be more potent than any other vaccine. He may or may not succeed but more important is his present which he is living with full confidence. To me it proves a point that thoughts, one emotion and the various body systems don't work in isolation. They work together as a whole system.
After hearing from him I did search for some studies, which was more to add to his belief and mine too. One which I found close to this was by UCLA AIDS Institute research which showed that stress enables HIV to spread more quickly in HIV-positive persons and impairs antiretroviral drugs from restoring the immune system. Depression and negative attitudes have also been linked to lowering the immune system, which meant that opposite, could do better, probably a theory of which Pradeep is living example. I and many of us get emotional on issue which affects us, but when you see him and hear about him, his wife and the suffering and stigma they got in return from the society in this 21st century era of technology and openness. How his daughter could not get admitted in any school in capital of this country?
One feels our issues are nothing as compared to his. I got away with a message from him that it is positive will power which has helped to fight in his own life. He is real life role model for me and may be for all of us not only for person living with HIV, encourages us in our encounter with issues which have bearing on us.
Contributed by Anil Gulati
I presume the moment you have that positive will, you would do whatever is needed and advised to fight the HIV infection. I feel Pradeep is a fighter, a fighter with weapon of will with him. He not only motivates you and tells you that it is will which could be more potent than any other vaccine. He may or may not succeed but more important is his present which he is living with full confidence. To me it proves a point that thoughts, one emotion and the various body systems don't work in isolation. They work together as a whole system.
After hearing from him I did search for some studies, which was more to add to his belief and mine too. One which I found close to this was by UCLA AIDS Institute research which showed that stress enables HIV to spread more quickly in HIV-positive persons and impairs antiretroviral drugs from restoring the immune system. Depression and negative attitudes have also been linked to lowering the immune system, which meant that opposite, could do better, probably a theory of which Pradeep is living example. I and many of us get emotional on issue which affects us, but when you see him and hear about him, his wife and the suffering and stigma they got in return from the society in this 21st century era of technology and openness. How his daughter could not get admitted in any school in capital of this country?
One feels our issues are nothing as compared to his. I got away with a message from him that it is positive will power which has helped to fight in his own life. He is real life role model for me and may be for all of us not only for person living with HIV, encourages us in our encounter with issues which have bearing on us.
Contributed by Anil Gulati
Saturday, February 11, 2006
newswhichmatter
Youth take oath to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS
More than 150 people from Malwa and Nimar districts took an oath to help spread awareness about AIDS.
“Should HIV/AIDS issues be taught in schools? What can the youth do to contribute to the cause?” were some of the questions raised by participants at the two-day anti-HIV/AIDS youth meet organised by UNICEF and Madhya Pradesh Voluntary Health Association (MPVHA) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The youngsters coined slogans for helping spread awareness.
Western MP, especially 14 districts of Malwa and Nimar regions (which touch commercial areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat), are highly susceptible to AIDS. Of the 1,524 known cases of AIDS in the state, 1,080 have been reported from these districts—with Indore and Ujjain topping the list with 419 and 275 cases respectively.
Khargone follows them with 74 cases, Dhar with 70 cases, Dewas with 66, Shajapur with 67 and Khandwa with 37. All over the state, the number of AIDS patients is increasing by the day with 205 fresh cases being reported in 2004 as against 143 in 2003. As of date there are approximately 1,662 AIDS cases in Madhya Pradesh.
Experts who participated in the meet opined that the fundamental challenge in controlling HIV/AIDS is in getting the right information to the people, especially the younger section of the populace.
“The challenge is not in merely disseminating information, but in doing it in a manner that not only entertains but also educates people about issues, creates favourable attitudes, shifts social norms and helps generate a positive response”, they said.
State AIDS Control Society Project director Salina Singh, who was the chief guest, said, “Young people can make a difference as they can convey the message to their peers. Right information is the key.”
Addressing the gathering, UNICEF communication officer Anil Gulati said, “We are here for a mission to check the spread of virus in our country. Knowledge is power and we need to empower ourselves. What is more disturbing was that it was engulfing the 'productive population' in the age group of 20-40 years. The numbers of patients under this age group is 1,080”
Among the participants was Pushpinderpal Singh from the Bhopal-based Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism. “Majority HIV positive cases go unreported as infected people refuse to take tests and don’t accept that they may be afflicted. They would rather wait for the disease to get converted into full-blown AIDS before accepting the reality,” he said.
MPVHA Executive Director Mukesh Sinha emphasised on the work being undertaken by the civil society organisation on HIV/AIDS. Fox Kids TV series Anchor Ajay Nagrath was present to advocate the cause.
By Sanjay Sharma in Bhopal at www.sify.com Saturday, 11 February , 2006, 09:56
More than 150 people from Malwa and Nimar districts took an oath to help spread awareness about AIDS.
“Should HIV/AIDS issues be taught in schools? What can the youth do to contribute to the cause?” were some of the questions raised by participants at the two-day anti-HIV/AIDS youth meet organised by UNICEF and Madhya Pradesh Voluntary Health Association (MPVHA) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The youngsters coined slogans for helping spread awareness.
Western MP, especially 14 districts of Malwa and Nimar regions (which touch commercial areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat), are highly susceptible to AIDS. Of the 1,524 known cases of AIDS in the state, 1,080 have been reported from these districts—with Indore and Ujjain topping the list with 419 and 275 cases respectively.
Khargone follows them with 74 cases, Dhar with 70 cases, Dewas with 66, Shajapur with 67 and Khandwa with 37. All over the state, the number of AIDS patients is increasing by the day with 205 fresh cases being reported in 2004 as against 143 in 2003. As of date there are approximately 1,662 AIDS cases in Madhya Pradesh.
Experts who participated in the meet opined that the fundamental challenge in controlling HIV/AIDS is in getting the right information to the people, especially the younger section of the populace.
“The challenge is not in merely disseminating information, but in doing it in a manner that not only entertains but also educates people about issues, creates favourable attitudes, shifts social norms and helps generate a positive response”, they said.
State AIDS Control Society Project director Salina Singh, who was the chief guest, said, “Young people can make a difference as they can convey the message to their peers. Right information is the key.”
Addressing the gathering, UNICEF communication officer Anil Gulati said, “We are here for a mission to check the spread of virus in our country. Knowledge is power and we need to empower ourselves. What is more disturbing was that it was engulfing the 'productive population' in the age group of 20-40 years. The numbers of patients under this age group is 1,080”
Among the participants was Pushpinderpal Singh from the Bhopal-based Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism. “Majority HIV positive cases go unreported as infected people refuse to take tests and don’t accept that they may be afflicted. They would rather wait for the disease to get converted into full-blown AIDS before accepting the reality,” he said.
MPVHA Executive Director Mukesh Sinha emphasised on the work being undertaken by the civil society organisation on HIV/AIDS. Fox Kids TV series Anchor Ajay Nagrath was present to advocate the cause.
By Sanjay Sharma in Bhopal at www.sify.com Saturday, 11 February , 2006, 09:56
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The cultural barrier
Being a communications professional, I get opportunities to interact with a diverse group of
mediapersons. As an individual, one develops affinity for some and Rajendar is one of them.
He works for a Hindi daily known for its coverage of development issues and has considerable penetration
into rural Madhya Pradesh. I still vividly remember the day Rajendar walked into my office and we first met. That interaction resembled a typical official meeting; story angles were explored and details exchanged.
But Rajendar's inquisitiveness did not escape my notice. I was slightly unsure how the report would
come out but still provided him every relevant detail.
A few days later, a half-page story appeared in his newspaper. He had toiled on the idea and made it
big. I was impressed. It's been more than two years hence and gradually we became pals. He changed jobs, but our relationship blossomed. Today he is at the most challenging juncture of his existence, a time when one gets tested. Rajendar is a double masters in Hindi and journalism besides being a gold medallist in the
latter subject. He's trapped in a situation that reflects how difficult it is to change things, mindsets or
so-called cultural barriers.
It's easy for many of us to message around, advocate behavioural change but in real-life situations
it's people-to-people contact, their understanding of the context, their beliefs and relationship that play
a major role. It needs lot of hard work, patience and working out ways that are within communities' systems.
I'm picking up this issue as I see it in the lives of Rajendar and Rajini. They've known each other for
years and want to get married. But Rajendar belongs to a family that's conservative and believes in accepting dowry. At present his 'rate', if he gets wedded to a woman of his caste, is Rs 4 lakh, a Bolero and household furniture. Marrying outside one's caste is not allowed and if that union is without dowry it is strictly
forbidden! Unfortunately, Rajini - a development worker – is not from his caste though she too belongs to a certain upper caste. Both have strong affiliation to the development sector and have stood for issues.
Rajini's parents have agreed, while Rajendar, after using a lot of his skills, managed to make some impact
on his parents. But that's not enough as they need the consent of every adult in the family, which is simply
not possible. Rajendar's parents may have reluctantly agreed for their son's happiness but expressed inability to convince others. After the wedding, both would be out of the biradari meaning that they might not be allowed to participate in family rituals and functions.
As individuals they always have a choice to go ahead and marry but both don't prefer this way. They
want to wed with family consent. But if that happens they would become role models or change agents. It
will be for the first time someone from that area married out of caste and that too sans dowry. Some elders fear that it will open floodgates.
There's an equal chance that they may fail but may kindle a light of hope in someone else who may follow
their footsteps and eventually succeed. That's how change takes place, but it's not easy especially if
you are working against a mindset that's been followed for years and believed to be right.
-anil
mediapersons. As an individual, one develops affinity for some and Rajendar is one of them.
He works for a Hindi daily known for its coverage of development issues and has considerable penetration
into rural Madhya Pradesh. I still vividly remember the day Rajendar walked into my office and we first met. That interaction resembled a typical official meeting; story angles were explored and details exchanged.
But Rajendar's inquisitiveness did not escape my notice. I was slightly unsure how the report would
come out but still provided him every relevant detail.
A few days later, a half-page story appeared in his newspaper. He had toiled on the idea and made it
big. I was impressed. It's been more than two years hence and gradually we became pals. He changed jobs, but our relationship blossomed. Today he is at the most challenging juncture of his existence, a time when one gets tested. Rajendar is a double masters in Hindi and journalism besides being a gold medallist in the
latter subject. He's trapped in a situation that reflects how difficult it is to change things, mindsets or
so-called cultural barriers.
It's easy for many of us to message around, advocate behavioural change but in real-life situations
it's people-to-people contact, their understanding of the context, their beliefs and relationship that play
a major role. It needs lot of hard work, patience and working out ways that are within communities' systems.
I'm picking up this issue as I see it in the lives of Rajendar and Rajini. They've known each other for
years and want to get married. But Rajendar belongs to a family that's conservative and believes in accepting dowry. At present his 'rate', if he gets wedded to a woman of his caste, is Rs 4 lakh, a Bolero and household furniture. Marrying outside one's caste is not allowed and if that union is without dowry it is strictly
forbidden! Unfortunately, Rajini - a development worker – is not from his caste though she too belongs to a certain upper caste. Both have strong affiliation to the development sector and have stood for issues.
Rajini's parents have agreed, while Rajendar, after using a lot of his skills, managed to make some impact
on his parents. But that's not enough as they need the consent of every adult in the family, which is simply
not possible. Rajendar's parents may have reluctantly agreed for their son's happiness but expressed inability to convince others. After the wedding, both would be out of the biradari meaning that they might not be allowed to participate in family rituals and functions.
As individuals they always have a choice to go ahead and marry but both don't prefer this way. They
want to wed with family consent. But if that happens they would become role models or change agents. It
will be for the first time someone from that area married out of caste and that too sans dowry. Some elders fear that it will open floodgates.
There's an equal chance that they may fail but may kindle a light of hope in someone else who may follow
their footsteps and eventually succeed. That's how change takes place, but it's not easy especially if
you are working against a mindset that's been followed for years and believed to be right.
-anil
Friday, June 17, 2005
where myths and superstitions heal…….
newswhichmatter
where myths and superstitions heal…….
If child has pneumonia– a hot saddle shaped iron dipped in a oil is paced on navel of the little one – with a belief that it will cure it !
Shivpuri is a district of Madhya Pradesh. Though it is district of Madhya Pradesh but is bounded by Jhansi in east, which is a district of Uttar Pradesh, and on the west by Kota district of Rajasthan.
Shivpuri mostly has laid out small hilltops covered with deciduous forests where the slope is gentle with verdant vegetation and good forests round about, the landscape is generally pleasing.
It has a population of about 11.5 million predominantly of which is in rural sector. National highway pass through Shivpuri so has better road connectivity on the main line but the moment you turn inside the roads get quite bumpy. Sometime back I had chance to visit there. I was in a jeep about eleven kilometers from the main highway, suddenly the driver turned left. I was bit amazed and saw the driver with suspicion as I could only see rubble of sandstones on the hilly slope – absolutely no road.
But driver exuded that confidence and was more courageous, he just went ahead and after about three kilometers of non-motorabale hilly lane we were at village Dwarka. Dwarka is village in Pichore Block of Shivpuri. It had an inhabitation of about 60 houses mainly of which were from Sahariya tribes (plus) some from the upper caste mainly Thakurs.
Seeing a jeep coming in the tribals from all over village started gathered near the jeep. I had some one known to the villagers with me so introduction was bit easy. We all gathered outside house of Ranjiraam. It was a typical feudal style; I was offered a charpoi to sit while all of them were on the floor, quite uncomfortable for all of us. I did prefer to stand; it was easier for my heart.
Ranjiram had lost his four children because of measles but when asked what you did when your children had measles he said initially they take their children to temple and they are made to lie down there and devotional songs were sung by group of villagers in favour of god. Measles is called as mata and the firm belief is that this due to ‘god’s wish’ and he only can take care of it. In addition to it, the already malnourished child is given very less to eat with a belief that prayers will have mystic role. By the way what do they eat – either cooked roti alone or sometimes with cooked grass. If they get some work then local vegetable or dal. Dalia – for school children used to come and for last few months that too was missing. I did meet number of children with protruding bellies (a sign of malnutrition or worm infestation) but which they believe as sign of healthiness.
During the discussions I suddenly noticed a child who had some marks around his navel, were bit surprised and even curious. Rather than just exploding with questions, which they could have been risky as they might take it as offense, I felt that there was a need to explore further. I drifted a bit and slowly asked the question what that mark was?
The belief in village is that if the child suffers with high fever (pneumonia), and if hot horseshoe shape iron dipped in oil is kept at the navel of the child - fever will come down and the mark on the child that we saw was the same mark. On hearing this, I could feel chill in my spine – it may be called as ‘navel branding’.
Where are we – if child suffers from measles it will go on it own, if child has pneumonia – navel branding is the treatment, where children may not get all three meals and even if they get some it is the cooked grass – so called dalia for school had not come for last 3 months…
This is the real scenario and challenging one especially if arena of child health. Shivpuri is a district of Madhya Pradesh which already has high rates of infant mortality rates and if we need to bring it down and with these prevalent myths - challenges is beyond delivering services for children, one may have to look more holistically and take it is as a social issue not just health one….
posted by - anil
where myths and superstitions heal…….
If child has pneumonia– a hot saddle shaped iron dipped in a oil is paced on navel of the little one – with a belief that it will cure it !
Shivpuri is a district of Madhya Pradesh. Though it is district of Madhya Pradesh but is bounded by Jhansi in east, which is a district of Uttar Pradesh, and on the west by Kota district of Rajasthan.
Shivpuri mostly has laid out small hilltops covered with deciduous forests where the slope is gentle with verdant vegetation and good forests round about, the landscape is generally pleasing.
It has a population of about 11.5 million predominantly of which is in rural sector. National highway pass through Shivpuri so has better road connectivity on the main line but the moment you turn inside the roads get quite bumpy. Sometime back I had chance to visit there. I was in a jeep about eleven kilometers from the main highway, suddenly the driver turned left. I was bit amazed and saw the driver with suspicion as I could only see rubble of sandstones on the hilly slope – absolutely no road.
But driver exuded that confidence and was more courageous, he just went ahead and after about three kilometers of non-motorabale hilly lane we were at village Dwarka. Dwarka is village in Pichore Block of Shivpuri. It had an inhabitation of about 60 houses mainly of which were from Sahariya tribes (plus) some from the upper caste mainly Thakurs.
Seeing a jeep coming in the tribals from all over village started gathered near the jeep. I had some one known to the villagers with me so introduction was bit easy. We all gathered outside house of Ranjiraam. It was a typical feudal style; I was offered a charpoi to sit while all of them were on the floor, quite uncomfortable for all of us. I did prefer to stand; it was easier for my heart.
Ranjiram had lost his four children because of measles but when asked what you did when your children had measles he said initially they take their children to temple and they are made to lie down there and devotional songs were sung by group of villagers in favour of god. Measles is called as mata and the firm belief is that this due to ‘god’s wish’ and he only can take care of it. In addition to it, the already malnourished child is given very less to eat with a belief that prayers will have mystic role. By the way what do they eat – either cooked roti alone or sometimes with cooked grass. If they get some work then local vegetable or dal. Dalia – for school children used to come and for last few months that too was missing. I did meet number of children with protruding bellies (a sign of malnutrition or worm infestation) but which they believe as sign of healthiness.
During the discussions I suddenly noticed a child who had some marks around his navel, were bit surprised and even curious. Rather than just exploding with questions, which they could have been risky as they might take it as offense, I felt that there was a need to explore further. I drifted a bit and slowly asked the question what that mark was?
The belief in village is that if the child suffers with high fever (pneumonia), and if hot horseshoe shape iron dipped in oil is kept at the navel of the child - fever will come down and the mark on the child that we saw was the same mark. On hearing this, I could feel chill in my spine – it may be called as ‘navel branding’.
Where are we – if child suffers from measles it will go on it own, if child has pneumonia – navel branding is the treatment, where children may not get all three meals and even if they get some it is the cooked grass – so called dalia for school had not come for last 3 months…
This is the real scenario and challenging one especially if arena of child health. Shivpuri is a district of Madhya Pradesh which already has high rates of infant mortality rates and if we need to bring it down and with these prevalent myths - challenges is beyond delivering services for children, one may have to look more holistically and take it is as a social issue not just health one….
posted by - anil
news which matter from heart of india
Watch out for this blog - a new story will be there tonite - 17 th june...
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