My brother, Nikhil… goes to Calcutta!
To commemorate International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2005, an exclusive screening of My Brother Nikhil followed by a panel discussion with the film crew, was organized in Calcutta on May 14th for the networks and communities belonging to, and working for, PLWHA and LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) groups in West Bengal. Organised by Heroes Project, Mumbai; West Bengal State AIDS Prevention & Control Society (WBSAPCS); and the Calcutta chapter of SAATHI, the event aimed to provide an opportunity for these groups to network and reaffirm their commitment to their work, voice their concerns and advocate for reduction of stigma against HIV/AIDS and homosexuality.
The event saw about 250 people attending the screening. Attendees included personnel from NGOs and networks like AASHA, SPARSHA, Bengal Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (BNP+), En-Joy, MANAS Bangla, Amitie’, Swikriti, Pratyay, Astitva, Sanlaap and Apne Aap. Representatives from other NGOs working on HIV/AIDS and human rights issues were present as well, as were media persons, consular representatives, government officials and police trainees.
Highlights included:
- The eye-catching stage backdrop showing the WBSAPCS mascot Bula Di hugging ‘her brother, Nikhil’!
- Inaugural address and vote of thanks by Nidhi Dubey, Advocacy Director, Heroes Project; S. Suresh Kumar, Project Director, WBSAPCS; and Pawan Dhall of SAATHII, Calcutta Office.
- The welcome and introductions by Madhumanti Moitra, a renowned announcer, who introduced to the audience the relevance and significance of the event.
- A touching testimonial by Nisha from BNP+ who shared her experiences of being positive while living with the virus (HIV).
- The candlelight ceremony, the high point of the event, which saw all members of the film crew, the organizers and PLWHA/LGBT network representatives on the stage with a lit candle in their hands, sharing and spreading the flame of hope.
- The film crew collecting souvenirs from the stalls put up by SAATHII, SPARSHA and other NGOs.
- SAATHII Red Ribbon Pages Directory, bookmarks and copies of the docu-feature film “Piku Is Fine” that were distributed.
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