Views on World AIDS Day

At the very onset I must admit I never cared much about this day. Even today I have being made to write this article out of compulsion created by an event I saw today for the first time in the conservative locality of ours. Otherwise this day would have passed just like any other day, or if I were at any Institute or University it would be a day of teasing. Having said that, I must admit, I felt much better today after watching people of my age (or slightly lesser) commemorating the day by bringing out a march.

It was morning and I was walking back to my home from the Bank. I heard the beating of drums, not unusual during this part of year because of marriage season, in the road. But as I walked ahead, what I saw really astounded me; variety of people from various racial stocks, North Indians, Caucasians, Mongoloids, Negroes, Dravidians dancing up to music emanating from the drums and bands. They were not only holding placards and shouting, but also riding on the tractor-trailers and mini-trucks by the help of various art forms informing about the scourge of this epidemic. Many of them were throwing up condoms in the air which were being picked up by the kid (they may be use them as balloons). And those elders on whom these ‘rubbers’ fell were too embarrassed to pick them up, I won’t blame them, even for me it would be rather embarrassing to pick them up. But more importantly it was the message which they wanted to convey is what drove the point.

The ruling of Delhi High Court decision legalizing Homosexuality could have being the motivating factor for such march in our locality. Usually confined to Central Districts of Delhi and ‘Red light’ areas, these demonstrations usually draw the ire of middle-class which views them as unethical. However, this time it was different, it broke that mental barrier and came out in full force. There might be few (or many) homosexuals who where there in the demonstration expressing themselves without being persecuted by law (unless the decision of HC is overruled) trying to spread awareness. I am happy to say that because awareness is all that we require and it is not just for HIV positive.

Now to conclude, it is not just matter of wearing badges and shouting in the street. It’s the matter of speaking out, making oneself being heard loud and clear. Problem is known so is the solution, therefore let’s give our best to solve it, in our own little ways. Little ways, that can make big difference.

© Tarun Mitra