Granthis to say a prayer for AIDS awareness

A core committee of granthis and ragis is to be formed and Sikh scholars will be asked to frame a booklet relating AIDS awareness and the teachings of Sikhism. In the first phase of the project, a seminar will be held for over 60 Sikh religious leaders, to sensitise them about the AIDS awareness programme. The second phase will include the formation of core groups and the inclusion of topics relating to AIDS awareness in religious discourses at gurdwaras.

The programme, which will initially begin in Jammu, will then spread to Kashmir province and district levels.

Imams have been involved in HIV/AIDS intervention projects since 2003. A booklet — Marz AIDS ka, aur Islam ki Tareek-e-Tahfus (The problem of AIDS, and methods of prevention as per Islam) — which quotes Quranic verses against promiscuity has also been published. Over 400 imams were trained to include the message of safe sex and morality during their Friday discourses of ‘Jumma Khudha’.

Religion has such an impact on the general population that it can lead to behavioural changes, which is the main objective of all AIDS awareness programmes, says Wani. Another important factor is the reach of religion. ‘‘Gurdwaras, temples and mosques are everywhere — in small towns, big cities and villages,’’ he says.