Mumbai unites to pay homage to those who have Heroes Project & Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) host |
Mumbai, May 19, 2009: Heroes Project, under the aegis of National AIDS Control Organization and in association with the Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS), organized the 26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to AIDS. This social initiative, held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, was aimed at educating the public about the various problems and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The day began with more than 25 different processions from around Mumbai who converged at the venue to show their solidarity for the initiative. The processions were led by MDACS and partners and organizations like Avert Society, Family Health International, Population Services International, and Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust, among others. Collectively, these organizations also set up exhibition stalls at the venue in order to spread awareness and provide information to people on issues related to HIV/AIDS. Held on 19th May evening (instead of 17th May to accommodate vote counting), the Candlelight Memorial, part of a global movement observed across 115 countries, was well attended by thousands of Mumbaikars. Themed, ‘Together, We Are the Solution’, the event received tremendous support from leading opinion leaders such as actor Hrithik Roshan and wife Suzzane, Dr. K Sujatha Rao, Special Secretary and Director General of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), philanthropist Mrs. Parmeshwar Godrej, Kumaramangalam Birla, Chairman, AV Birla Group, actor and director Farhan Akhtar, actor and director Nandita Das, author Shobhaa De and dancer choreographer Sandip Soparrkar. The event was also graced by Mr. Kishore Gajabhiye, Additional Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai and Dr. Shantaram S. Kudalkar, Project Director, Mumbai District AIDS Control Society. Mumbai’s popular radio jockey, Malishka, was the master of ceremonies. Keynote speaker Dr. K. Sujatha Rao addressed the gathering and Hrithik & Suzzane Roshan encouraged everyone to work together to end stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Kumaramangalam Birla stressed the need to continue the focus on ensuring equal opportunity and progress for those with HIV at the workplace. Farhan Akhtar recited a special poem of HOPE penned by Javed Akhtar for the occasion, Nandita Das described the plight of the affected as Mrs. Parmeshwar Godrej’s grandchildren, Aryaan and Azaar accompanied children from the community on to the stage and urged people to support them in a powerful statement against stigma and discrimination. Vikram Hazra from the Art of Living performed evocative bhajans and Shobhaa De read a passage from the book ‘AIDS Sutra’. Children from the community shared their memorable stories and performed a soulful enactment of their hopes and aspirations. Dancer choreographer, Sandeep Soparrkar and India’s catwalk queen Jesse Randhawa performed a dance tribute that portrayed the anguish and acceptance of people living with HIV through the fusion of stylized, modern dance forms. Singer Gayatri Ganjawala sang an anthem that exhorted people to overcome stigma. The grand evening ended with all the concerned organization heads along with Hrithik and Suzzane Roshan sharing their messages for the masses and observing a moment’s silence to commemorate those who have passed on because of AIDS. |