Creating AIDS awareness

We don't claim to convert, but aim to create an awareness for favourable attitude,'' announces Col V N Tambekar retd, Joint Director, F...

We don8217;t claim to convert, but aim to create an awareness for favourable attitude,8221; announces Col V N Tambekar retd, Joint Director, Field Publicity Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. The branch of publicity with its 271 field units and 22 registered offices is engaged in the task of publicising various programmes and policies of the government. Particularly noteworthy is their work for AIDS awareness and the recognition of the role of women in the national progress that has led to a sustained and effective campaigning in these areas.

8220;It has been difficult to reach people in rural areas because most of them are not interested. And then there is the danger of antagonising them with unfamiliar ideas,8221; says Tambekar. This calls for a diplomatic and cautious approach. It is no wonder then that most of the field workers are intensively trained to ensure that the campaigning reaches its target. Another difficulty is that people are liable to misconstrue and perceive government communication stereotypically 8211; mostly with an air of disinterest.

While field workers are recruited through the UPSC and undergo a course at IIMC, the field assistants are people from the districts itself, aware of the unique problems of that district. 8220;There are a lot of journalists who work with us,8221; claims Tambekar. India could no longer ignore the looming threat of AIDS and in 1986 the National Aids Control Organisation was set up with the theme Jankari hi bachav hai. A mobile van equipped with educational material would make a round of the selected blocks on a 10 to 15 day tour.

The campaign is targeted at an audience that is categorised into students, women, anganwadi sevikas and opinion leaders like gramsevaks and sarpanch. Also involved are NGOs, panchayat samitis, truck drivers association, Lions and Rotary clubs, NSS and the Mahila Sanstha. A gathering is organised and a discussion ensues. There is a talk by the field workers and sometimes an expert contributes. This is followed by a discussion and the village people are encouraged to participate. 8220;We welcome resistance because we know that the person has started thinking about these issues. Many a time we find that women are shy to speak in public. They linger around after the talk and approach us with questions. This is an encouragement for the efforts we take,8221; adds Tambekar.

Tambekar is quick to point out that there is an increasing awareness and curiosity among the younger generation on information related to sex. As a result college students have formed groups to interact through discussion and street plays with their peers. The field workers also conduct quizzes, poster competitions, photo exhibitions and film shows. 8220;Our aim is to disseminate in many ways to as many people as possible,8221; says Tambekar, 8220;and we are satisfied if we have helped change and save a few lives8221;.