Tag Archives: HIV and AIDS

Osho ashram Pune

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I visited Pune with friends for a few hours but these few hours seemed enough to get a taste of the city. It was just like any other metropolitan Indian city but there was definitely something special about Pune. We visited an area where all the IT companies were situated and this visit was just awesome. I saw offices of all the big IT names I had ever heard of. Infosys, Wipro, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, TCS… all these huge IT companies had their offices there. The architecture also seemed completely unusual but very impressive. The buildings had strange shape but they were looking very nice. I am sure the best IT techniques were used to design those buildings.

There was construction going on everywhere in the city. Big glass window buildings were everywhere with a lot of traffic on the road which was just like any other big Indian city. After visiting the IT park we decided to visit Osho Ashram in Pune. This ashram was just hilarious. When I think about an Ashram, I think about a very simple place where a lot of religious practices are going on but this ashram was just like a five star hotel with all the rich people from all over the world living in it. There was a reception counter at the entrance where I saw one Indian and one foreigner talking in English, first shock.

When we went to him asking what was going on there and how could we go in he gave us a pamphlet explain the rules of entering in the ashram. There was an entry fee of Rs. 850 just to visit the ashram for a day. They needed everyone to have HIV test done before they come and if visitors don’t have HIV test done they get tested at the ashram before entering in. I just could not imagine why somebody would need HIV test in order to get in an ashram but then I learnt that Osho was really serious about HIV and AIDS and his approach to sex was also different.

But still I did not understand what kind of approach makes you get HIV testing done before meeting someone and then a few locals told me that it is very easy to find people to have sex with inside the ashram hence it is necessary to have HIV testing done. If this is the case then it was very smart decision to have people HIV testing done before getting in the ashram but it was really unusual. Anyways, this five start ashram offers rooms for Rs. 5000 per day. I am 100% sure that anyone can find a really luxury nice hotel room for this much of money in India but again five star ashram deserves five star money. I enjoyed talking and learning about the ashram. Hope to have enough money to stay at the ashram someday and experience a five star ashram:)

 

 

Guide training program – week 6

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The final week of classroom teaching has concluded, and it was a diverse and insightful week. We covered a range of topics including Jaipur, Indo-Islamic architecture, emergency procedures, gems and jewelry, Jainism, the business history of India, and project report preparation. While all the classes were informative, the one on “Things to Do in Any Emergency” stood out as the most memorable. The class was delivered by a retired Air India air hostess, and her approach was refreshingly candid.

She covered essential topics such as medical emergencies, sex, homosexuality, HIV/AIDS, and other STIs. Her openness about these subjects was unprecedented in our training. She provided practical advice on what to do if a tourist makes inappropriate sexual advances. She emphasized that while it is ultimately our choice whether to engage in such activities, if we decide to proceed, using condoms is crucial to reduce the risk of STI transmission. Her focus on HIV/AIDS was particularly notable; she shared her own experiences from her career in the service sector, highlighting the importance of safe practices.

Her discussion on homosexuality was equally enlightening. Although I was already familiar with the basics, many in the class found it new and eye-opening. She encouraged participants to embrace their sexuality and communicate openly with their families. She also discussed recent legal advancements, such as the High Court judgment supporting LGBTQ+ rights in India. She criticized the outdated belief that homosexuality is a disease and debunked the misconception that marriage to an opposite-sex partner could “cure” it.

The air hostess’s candidness about such sensitive topics was striking. In a setting where discussing sex and sexuality is often taboo, her willingness to address these issues was both bold and appreciated. The lecture was engaging and left a significant impact on everyone. On the final day of the week, all participants gathered in the institute’s auditorium for a certificate presentation. This certificate will be useful for engaging with government officials regarding our projects. Female participants were specially acknowledged on stage to encourage their participation, with the institute stressing the need for more female tour guides in the Indian tourism industry.

Overall, the week was both educational and inspiring, providing us with valuable knowledge and practical skills for our future careers.

Delhi Gay Pride 2009 – parade

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I attended the Delhi Gay Pride on the 26th and was thrilled to experience it firsthand. Having heard so much about the vibrant and festive nature of gay pride festivals, I was eager to see it for myself. I arrived in Delhi on the 24th, and Adam and Megan joined me for the parade. Although they had initially planned to go to Benares, they changed their flights to come to Delhi and be part of the event with me.

They had arranged for band performances to provide music. When I arrived, around two thousand people were already present. I asked the organizer about the expected turnout, and he mentioned that while last year they had anticipated about 500 attendees, they ended up with around 1500. This year, they were hoping for about 2500 participants. He also noted that media support had been strong the previous year and was expected to be similar this year. Indeed, there were numerous media representatives covering the event. The police were also present, though it was unclear whether their assistance was a formal obligation or a voluntary act of support, but they were definitely helping.

I spent my time wandering around and observing the festivities. Initially, I had planned to speak with the participants, but once I arrived and saw how joyful and immersed they were in the celebration, I decided against interrupting them. What struck me the most was that the parade included not just gay individuals, but also many straight people and families. There were numerous foreigners as well. I spoke with a few of them about their reasons for attending, and they all gave similar responses—primarily, they were there to support the cause.

The organizing committee had provided masks for those who wished to conceal their identities, and many participants, including straight people and families, chose to use them. While I understand that gay culture is still not fully accepted in India, which might explain why some in the LGBTQ+ community wore masks, I was puzzled by the presence of masks among straight participants. If they were so reluctant to be seen, I questioned why they were participating at all. I believe that it’s important for everyone to step forward and openly support the cause; only through such visibility and advocacy can the gay community in India achieve the recognition and acceptance it deserves.

I overheard some LGBTQ+ individuals speaking with the media. When asked about their experiences, they all shared similar sentiments: they feel ridiculed and believe they lack equal rights. As the parade began, the atmosphere was charged with energy, joy, and happiness. The band had started playing, and everyone was in high spirits. Many people danced with their partners, while others danced alone, waving the rainbow flag high. The parade was scheduled to start at 5 PM, but as with many things in India, it was delayed. This was the first time I didn’t mind the delay.

Finally, around 5:45 PM, the parade began. The vibrant energy, joy, and happiness I witnessed were only matched by a previous experience I had in Mehndiganj in 2007 during a rally against Coca-Cola. There was loud music, people jumping, shouting, dancing, and laughing—it was exhilarating. The atmosphere and the people filled me with an incredible sense of energy. A massive rainbow flag, carried by nearly twenty people, was a highlight of the parade. They jumped and danced with it, creating a stunning visual effect. The music was vibrant, and the whole scene was absolutely exhilarating.

The participants of the parade were very modern and liberal in their attire. Many had customized masks, caps, hats, and outfits. I saw several girls dressed in just shorts and bras, adorned with tattoos—something quite uncommon in India. The hijras also attended, dressed in a way that was noticeably different from their usual attire. As the parade began to move, more and more people joined in. A large number of students arrived, and by this point, the crowd had swelled to around 3,000 participants. Many onlookers stood along both sides of the road, watching the parade with interest.

I noticed people emerging from restaurants and shops, eagerly joining the festivities. The participants carried a variety of banners, posters, and flyers, each with different slogans emblazoned on their clothing and bodies. Many participants had their faces painted in vibrant rainbow colors. I had brought around 100 HIV & AIDS educational pamphlets to distribute among the crowd, and Adam and Megan kindly helped me with this task. We handed out the pamphlets quickly, but I noticed an interesting pattern: while some people were hesitant to take a pamphlet, others were very eager. A few individuals even approached us specifically asking for one.

One elderly man took a pamphlet and returned to Adam, expressing a desire to discuss the material inside. Adam asked the elderly man to speak with me, and he approached me with a question. He asked if I worked in HIV & AIDS, to which I confirmed. He then inquired if I supported the gay community and gay rights, and I affirmed that I did. However, he raised a surprising point. He questioned how I could support gay rights while working on HIV & AIDS, asserting that gays are responsible for the spread of HIV worldwide. His tone was somewhat agitated, and while I wanted to engage in a discussion about his perspective, the parade was moving, so I handed him my business card and suggested we continue the conversation at a later time.

He never reached out to me again, but it was disheartening to hear him blame the gay community for the spread of HIV & AIDS. While it’s true that gay men are at a higher risk of contracting HIV compared to heterosexual individuals, that doesn’t mean they are solely responsible for its spread. Many argue that gay people often practice safer sex compared to straights. I believe that the Indian government’s handling of HIV & AIDS programs and the corruption within the public health sector play a larger role in the spread of the disease, rather than the gay community itself.

I also spoke with a gay man who was interviewed by a journalist. He mentioned that he had been in a gay relationship for the past five years and was proud of it. He pointed out that gay individuals are often more knowledgeable about safe sex and STDs than heterosexuals, highlighting that education and awareness are crucial in managing health risks. The journalist asked him if he had informed his family about his sexuality, and he shared that while his father was aware, his mother sometimes referred to him as part of the hijra community. It’s clear that many people still confuse gays with hijras, not understanding the differences between them.

When the parade reached Jantar Mantar, it came to a stop for a series of speeches by social activists, gay rights supporters, NGO representatives, and a few participants. Some of those who had been wearing masks during the parade removed them when they took the stage. It was striking to see the shift in their demeanor—from being shy earlier to confidently expressing themselves in front of the crowd. The change in their confidence was palpable and marked a powerful moment of visibility and solidarity. The speakers declared loudly that they were no longer shy and were proud to be gay.

The speeches covered various topics, including Section 377 and other LGBTQ+ rights issues. As a symbolic gesture, the organizer invited everyone to light a candle. I joined in and lit a candle myself. With the parade concluded, the focus shifted to the party, which was set to begin at 9:30 PM at M Lounge bar in Sector 15, Noida. It was around 7 o’clock, and the organizers asked participants to regroup at 8:30. They had arranged several buses to transport everyone to the party venue. I was eagerly looking forward to the celebration.

Frustration in villages

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I visited my village after being away for ten years, and I saw many changes that made me sad. I used to think that Indian villages were still safe, but the reality was quite different. I remember that there used to be a pond right in front of my village house, but now half of it is covered with clay and other waste. India’s purchasing power has increased significantly over the past fifteen years, and while people are buying more products, they lack proper waste disposal methods.

I don’t blame the people for this issue; rather, I think the government has failed to address waste management effectively. These are relatively new problems for India, and there is a clear need for education on proper waste disposal. Traditionally, throwing rubbish outside the house was part of Indian culture, but in the past, the waste was made from natural materials. Cows and other animals, which have always roamed freely in India, used to help dispose of this natural waste. Today, however, our trash is largely plastic and chemical, which these animals cannot decompose.

Villagers have started buying packaged products and often discard the waste in open spaces or ponds, leading to the degradation of places like the pond in front of my village house. People do not realize how this will affect their lives in the future. When I discussed this with the villagers, they showed little interest. They believed that covering the pond was a solution because it would reduce the water and consequently the mosquitoes. Covering the pond isn’t a proper solution to mosquito problems; proper cleaning and maintenance could have achieved that.

I also wanted to see an old well near the pond that had personal significance to me—my brother had fallen into it about fifteen years ago. To my surprise, there was no sign of the well, just plain ground. My cousin informed me that they had completely covered it up. This decision was shocking and baffling. I understand the importance of wells for recharging groundwater and was dismayed to see such a crucial resource discarded. The villagers claimed the well was no longer useful for two reasons: fear of accidents and the water quality. They could have covered it with a screen to allow rainwater to pass through but chose to seal it entirely.

I observed that everyone in the village uses plastic products in their daily lives and disposes of them improperly. There is a lack of awareness about the impact of plastic waste. It is crucial for the government to step in and address these issues by introducing environmental studies in schools and making them compulsory. Villages face significant challenges now, including a decline in the quality of education. Students often attend school, pass time by massaging their teachers’ feet, and leave with degrees that do not equip them for real-world jobs. This lack of practical education leaves them unprepared for city life, leading to social and economic struggles.

The frustration from their isolation and the exposure to city lifestyles, like seeing girls in short skirts, can lead to unhealthy behaviors. Many young men, feeling disconnected and frustrated, may turn to brothels, contracting diseases like HIV due to ignorance about safe sex practices. Additionally, the use of gutka, a chewing tobacco, is prevalent among youth and is a leading cause of mouth cancer in India. The prospect of a global water crisis is often discussed, and given the current state of affairs in India, it seems possible that India might face severe water scarcity in the future. We have severely depleted our rivers, deforested much of our land, and are now threatening our groundwater.

Pesticides banned in other countries are still used in Indian agriculture, often without awareness of their harmful effects. The Indian government appears to lack effective control over these issues, and the situation could escalate into a major crisis. While the world is working to repair environmental damage, India seems to be exacerbating the problem. If environmental quality dictates living standards, India could face the worst living conditions globally within the next fifteen to twenty years. I hope the Indian government will eventually address these problems, but by then, it might be too late.

HIV, AIDS education pamphlet distribution

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A student from the University of Montana, USA, contacted me expressing interest in volunteering for my organization and staying at my guest house. I was also looking to initiate a project for sex workers in Benares, so I asked if he would help me organize a program for them. He was very enthusiastic about the idea. Although we didn’t manage to start the program for sex workers due to his busy schedule in Benares and some unexpected tasks I needed to complete, we did distribute pamphlets during the Maha Murkh Sammelan (Biggest Fool Conference).

This festival is uniquely Benares and is celebrated annually on April 1st. This year, over 3,000 people attended the conference. Since Winslow and I were the only ones distributing pamphlets, we aimed to reach around 200-250 people. We set up on the steps of Rajendra Prasad Ghat and began handing out pamphlets. Our target audience was people aged 15 to 45, with a particular focus on those aged 15 to 30. While people were not very interested in taking pamphlets from me, they were quite receptive to Winslow.

Winslow distributed all his pamphlets first, and then I handed him most of mine, so we ended up distributing nearly 150 pamphlets. Initially, we focused on attendees at the festival, but later we wandered along the river, distributing more pamphlets to young people. On April 2nd, Nandlal Master organized an event to inaugurate a water cooler, a computer room, and sewing machines donated to his organization, Lok Samiti. The water cooler was provided by Union Bank of India, and the other items were donated by an organization from South India.

Nandlal had informed me that 600-700 people were expected at the event, so we planned to distribute pamphlets there as well. However, the crowd consisted mainly of children under 10 or adults over 45, so we decided it was best not to distribute pamphlets. Nandlal has also asked me to organize an HIV/AIDS education program for his Kishori centers. These centers are schools run by Lok Samiti and ASHA for girls over 13 years old, with each center hosting about 50-75 girls.

Winslow’s friend, who had lived in Varanasi for a year about two years ago, knew the principal of Delhi Public School and suggested that Winslow meet him. Winslow relayed this to me, and I asked him to inquire whether the school would allow us to organize an HIV/AIDS education workshop there. Delhi Public School is an English-medium school and one of the most prestigious in Benares, if not India. I’ve always wanted to work with English-medium schools because their students are at high risk of contracting STDs, and there’s a lack of sex education in India despite the co-educational system.

This presents a valuable opportunity for me to get involved with English-medium schools, and I am looking forward to it. However, there is a significant issue with funding, which remains unresolved.

Condom usage demonstration & training to the sex workers

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Seranna and I accomplished something unprecedented in India. On the final day of the conference, we conducted a condom usage demonstration in front of a crowd of 6,000 to 7,000 people. We provided training to sex workers on how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and also shared strategies for improving their earnings. Through our interviews with sex workers, we discovered that their knowledge of STDs was limited, with HIV being the most commonly recognized. To address this gap, I asked Seranna to include information about various STDs in her presentation. Given that she was scheduled to speak on the last day of the conference, we saw it as a prime opportunity to reach a large audience and spread vital health information effectively.

Seranna and I on the stage, I was really confused:)

Seranna was deeply moved by the extreme poverty faced by Indian sex workers. She contrasted it with the situation in the West, where sex workers often earn significantly more. For example, she mentioned that in the West, she charges $300 per hour—an amount that represents two to three months’ salary for an Indian sex worker. Seranna was eager to share her insights on how sex workers could potentially increase their earnings from clients. Although reaching that level of income might take time for Indian sex workers, she believed that providing them with this knowledge could be beneficial. On the final day of the conference, which was attended by around 6,000 to 7,000 people, the majority of whom were sex workers, Seranna’s presentation was a valuable opportunity to impart this information and inspire change.

Me acting as a doggy customer

Since we only finalized the details of Seranna’s presentation on the morning of the event, we were under significant time constraints. With just a few hours to prepare, we decided to make the presentation more engaging by incorporating a skit. I had requested that Seranna bring some sex toys for the demonstration, and she brought three dildos. Seranna was enthusiastic about using them to illustrate key points in the presentation. However, I was concerned about using sex toys in front of such a large audience, especially given that they are illegal in India. This added an extra layer of anxiety about how the presentation might be received and whether it could cause any issues.

I had no idea what was going on

I asked Seranna to check with the conference organizer about using sex toys in our presentation. The organizer gave us the green light, but I was still apprehensive about displaying them in front of such a large audience. I approached the organizer myself for a second opinion, and he reassured me that it was fine. Seranna and I then discussed our approach for the presentation. We agreed that it should be engaging and not just a lecture. We decided to incorporate some comedy, as Seranna often does, to keep the audience entertained. The next challenge was that the audience primarily spoke Bengali, so we needed a translator to convert our presentation from English to Bengali.

I laugh every time I see this photo 🙂

We asked the organizer for a translator, and they provided us with a Bengali-English interpreter. For our presentation, I took on the role of a difficult customer who refused to pay upfront and insisted on not using condoms, while Seranna portrayed a savvy sex worker. To emphasize my role, I wore a mask shaped like male genitalia. The presentation began with Seranna requesting payment upfront, but I, in character, insisted on receiving services before paying. This led to a heated exchange, with Seranna repeatedly asserting that she required payment before providing her services, while I countered by arguing that I should pay only after receiving them. Ultimately, Seranna refused to provide the services, illustrating the importance of securing payment in advance.

Some toys we used in the presentation

Then, I agreed to pay upfront. Through this, we aimed to emphasize to the other sex workers the importance of securing payment before providing services, as some clients might not pay after receiving them. Afterward, Seranna introduced the dildo, which caused a hushed silence in the audience. I felt quite uncomfortable, but hoped it would be beneficial for everyone at the conference. Seranna demonstrated how to use the dildo, showing a technique to ensure that clients’ genitalia are disease-free before providing services. She emphasized that this practice could help protect sex workers from potential health risks.

After this, Seranna instructed me to use a condom, but I continued to resist, playing the role of a reluctant client who didn’t want to use one. I argued that since I was married and she looked safe, there was no need for protection. Seranna countered by pointing out that diseases aren’t visible on the face, emphasizing the importance of using condoms to prevent STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Eventually, I agreed to use the condom. Following this, Seranna demonstrated how to enhance the client experience by having me lay on my stomach on the bench for a massage and then performing a “boob slide.” The goal of this demonstration was to educate sex workers on how to engage more effectively with clients, offering additional services that could lead to higher satisfaction, better tips, and increased earnings.

Seranna demonstrated proper condom usage by placing it over the dildo. The dildo was large, requiring her to try twice. She added a humorous touch by commenting on the dildo’s size, which caused the previously silent audience to laugh and applaud. After successfully placing the condom, Seranna performed a demonstration of oral sex. We had several toys representing different sexually transmitted diseases. Seranna would simulate oral sex and then display the toys, explaining how they are spread and their potential consequences. I appreciated her clear and informative explanations about these diseases.

And then she acted like we were having sex and she would ask me if I was enjoying it. This was also one very important part of this training to tell sex workers to keep talking to their clients about how they feel while having sex. This way the men become more erected and cum early (I believe in the idea of working smart, not hard). So good for sex workers. By this time our time and bench’s life was finished. It broke and we fell down on the ground and this brought dead silence amongst the audience. But finally everyone started making noise, laughing and clapping. I loved it.

Finally, I gave Seranna a tip for her exceptional performance. I believe that introducing such innovative approaches to sex work could significantly improve the lives of Indian sex workers. Indian men would likely appreciate these services, but it’s unclear why such practices are not more common among local sex workers. I hope this presentation helps them earn more and make positive changes in their lives. Immediately after the presentation, we were surrounded by media, social workers, sex workers, and other attendees, all eager to speak with us and conduct interviews. It was a fantastic experience. We’re considering doing something similar in the US next June.

Comparing Countries Compassion

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Seranna has launched a documentary series titled *Comparing Countries: Compassion in Kolkata*, focusing on sex work and the lives of sex workers in India. This project is part of a broader initiative where she plans to explore these issues in various countries, but she chose to start in India. I’ve been selected to assist her in organizing interviews and will also be interviewed about my work with Sanjeevani Booti. Seranna hired a camera crew from Delhi for the project, but unfortunately, they have not been up to par. The crew, especially the cameraman, has been problematic—frequently engaging in disputes with each other in front of the interviewees. Their unprofessional behavior extends to asking inappropriate questions during interviews. Seranna has been visibly frustrated, but there’s little we can do, as the production company, though prominent and helmed by an award-winning director, does not have the director present for this project.

This documentary, *Comparing Countries: Compassion in Kolkata*, focuses on the legal landscapes surrounding sex work in different countries. I am thrilled to be involved in such a meaningful project. My role includes contributing ideas on direction and handling translations. I’ve translated several interviews with sex workers, social activists, university professors, transgender individuals, and children of sex workers. The project has been incredibly rewarding. We conducted a condom usage demonstration and provided training for sex workers on maintaining their safety and maximizing their earnings. I’m confident that this documentary will be a significant success. I feel fortunate to be part of this impactful work.

Seranna interviewing Laxmi Narayan Tripathi

Sex worker’s conference

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Today marked the inauguration of the conference, and we arrived around 9 o’clock. The event took place in a spacious hall, filled with nearly a thousand attendees, including sex workers from various parts of India and abroad. It was the largest gathering of sex workers I’ve ever seen. There were also many Hijras present, and participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Australia, Hong Kong, the US, and the UK. However, the majority were from India and Bangladesh. The event was graced by the Mayor of Kolkata, some religious leaders, and numerous other VIPs as chief guests.

I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Jana, a member of the Government of India’s advisory board on HIV and AIDS programs. He is the founder of the Sonagachi Project, a remarkable initiative that has become a global model for success. The conference was organized into two daily sessions, each lasting three hours. The second session featured a panel discussion on whether sex workers should be considered entertainment workers. Although the conversation was predominantly in Bengali, I managed to grasp about half of it.

It was fascinating to hear the sex workers share their perspectives and experiences. Many spoke about the challenges they face, particularly those related to police harassment and societal discrimination. A recurring issue highlighted was the difficulty their children face in gaining school admissions due to their parents’ profession. Additionally, they struggle with opening bank accounts or obtaining insurance because they lack residential proof. This also means they might have trouble accessing online services, as identity verification is now required at cybercafés.

During the conference, a few media representatives approached Seranna for interviews about our documentary. She was interviewed first, followed by myself. They were interested in discussing the Sanjeevani Booti project. After my interview, they spoke with other foreigners, Hijras, and sex workers. I’m eager to interview a few sex workers myself, as this is a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into their lives and experiences. I plan to conduct these interviews tomorrow.

HIV & AIDS workshop at girls’ school

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We recently organized a workshop at Gopi Radha Girls School in Varanasi, where social workers and volunteers from Sanjeevani Booti conducted a presentation on HIV and AIDS. This has been a long-standing goal, and it was exciting to see it finally come to fruition. We presented to the 9th and 11th grade girls, though we had hoped to reach the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Unfortunately, the school did not allow presentations for the 10th and 12th grades due to their upcoming exams. The 11th grade presentation took place on February 11th, and the 9th grade presentation on February 12th.

Class 9th students

We had originally planned to send one girl and one boy to each class, but the school only permitted female presenters, so we were able to send only girls. While I have some very motivated girls interested in this issue, they prefer paid positions rather than volunteering. Although I understand that finding people willing to work for free is challenging, this situation complicates my project. I currently lack regular donors and do not want to rely on just a few individuals. I need new sources of financial support for my projects.

Presentation about HIV infection

We also had valuable assistance from two international volunteers who helped make the event a success. Claire Abraham from Montreal, Canada, and Christina Hunter from San Francisco, USA, contributed significantly. Claire had been supporting me for the past month, providing information and training for Sanjeevani Booti’s social workers. Unfortunately, she could only attend the workshop on the 11th due to her need to travel to Nepal for a visa extension. Christina joined us on the second day.

School staff and Volunteers of Sanjeevani Booti

Some of the girls requested that we discuss condoms, sex, and sexually transmitted diseases in more detail. However, we refrained from showing condoms due to concerns about the school administration’s reaction. The girls have expressed a desire for a more comprehensive workshop on these topics, but organizing such an event is expensive. I am in touch with several doctors and social workers from other organizations to help make the next event successful.

Class 9th Students

I believe it would be valuable for the students to hear about HIV from people living with the virus. There is a network of HIV-positive individuals in Varanasi, and I hope to invite some of them to future events. While everything went well, I am concerned about the future. I realize that I need to learn how to write grant proposals to secure funding. Claire had promised to teach me this skill, and I am looking forward to her return in the next few days.

Sanjeevani Booti Staff with Students

25 new HIV patients everyday

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Today, Claire and I visited the NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) center at BHU to obtain data on HIV patients in Varanasi for our upcoming school workshop. Initially, the counselor refused to provide any data and directed us to seek permission from the head of the department first. Despite informing her that we were from an NGO, she remained unwilling to share any information. We then went to the head of the department’s office but were unable to meet him as he was occupied with another matter.

We spent two hours waiting in the counselor’s room, where we observed many people coming in for testing. I met a girl who is HIV-positive and now volunteers at the NACO center. After spending some time with Claire, the counselor warmed up to us and eventually provided the information we needed. I suspect her change of heart was influenced by Claire’s presence. She mentioned that NACO has testing centers in many districts across Uttar Pradesh, but the BHU center is the only one in Poorvanchal with an ELISA testing facility.

Poorvanchal is a region in Uttar Pradesh comprising seventeen districts. I was surprised to learn that people seeking HIV tests from across the region ultimately come to the Varanasi center. Although testing is available in their own districts, those results are not considered final. The ELISA test, which is the most reliable, is only available at the BHU center in Poorvanchal. The counselor noted a significant increase in HIV cases over the past few years. When she started her job nine years ago, they saw around five to six hundred people seeking tests each month. Today, that number has risen to between one hundred fifty and two hundred.

She also reported that a few years ago, they had fifty to a hundred positive results each month, but now they have at least twenty-five positive results every day. This increase was staggering and hard to believe. Interestingly, these figures only reflect those who have been referred by doctors; it doesn’t account for individuals who may be unaware of their HIV status. The counselor expressed concern that the number of positive cases will likely continue to rise due to inadequate government action.

She was dissatisfied with her job, citing a low salary. According to her, while WHO provides substantial funding to the Indian government, and then the Indian government allocates money to the Uttar Pradesh government and NACO, much of the funding is consumed by politicians and others involved in the project. One positive aspect of their work is that they now provide free ARVs (antiretrovirals) to HIV-positive patients, but only to those with a CD4 count below a critical level. Although I inquired about the specific CD4 threshold, she did not disclose it.