Shankerfoundation DjNP+

The Wall : 2011

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 06:01:12 +0000

sorting the tiles and getting ready

Dear Friends,

A bit late in the update even after such a momentous weekend, primarily because the Wall left us exhausted. Exhausted in a good way, a job well done.

The day started for me with a call from Ruben with an update that he was getting more tiles and water from his side and also from Suman. Such a good way to start the day, a note of solidarity and generosity. Such acts continued through the day and the next with people landing up at the Wall, helping out, bring food and water, juice and ice-cream. Walking up to the wall was like revisiting an old friend and also being part of a reality makeover show. Dipang and Sweta had the whole show orchestrated with the road divided into sections for different colours and also showing us the way.

Clearly all of us knew what was needed but did not know how difficult it was to get going. Chipping and cleaning the wall, breaking and sorting the tiles, mixing the cement, drawing the outlines and then getting the tiles on the wall. No wonder we get mistris to tile our houses. Work was slow and hard and the beautiful sunny day was not so beautiful anymore, the heat just sapping our energy away. Had it not been for the energy of the kids the adults am sure would have let go. Their enthusiasm and zest got us going, not to forget the tea, biscuits, egg bun, cream roll and pepsi ice. Wish i could document all the typical Darj comments of passers by but one suffices, ‘satis banaey cha’ The work did not finish on on the 3rd so all of us trooped on the 4th too. Had allu paratha for lunch and worked till two jeeps had to be brought in to light up the wall. That’s about when all of us decided that its a work in progress and it had been a job well done. We leave the wall for now and revisit it sometime later.

As of now the WALL stands for all that it says and the DIGNITY of People Living with HIV/AIDS(PLHA) in the Darjeeling Hills. It showed the world that PLHA and the rest can come together hand in hand and whip out a work of art which challenges us the MOUNTAIN PEOPLE to live in HARMONY and in OWNERSHIP of our HOME. This can be done only if all of us can PARTICIPATE in the process of EMPOWERMENT and bring about a process of HEALING and FREEDOM. This is possible when we have ONE LOVE and DIGNITY. (words in upper case are from the wall).

The two days had curious passerby’s, to ones who came up and said ‘good job’,to some who said can i help and be a part of the process?. People read the leaflets we had kept and also dropped their mite in the donation box. i hope the multiplier effect happens and the mass of change agents increase to become a revolution of acceptance and solidarity. For this i believe that the wall must continue as a physical reminder of the state we want to reach as a society. At this juncture i also do not hesitate to add that other walls did not get the revolution happening and reminds of the Late Gil Scott Heron saying ‘The Revolution will not be televised’.

I would like to sign off with a note of gratitude to all who were at the wall in mind body and soul and remind that the “road is long with a many a winding turn, …he aint heavy he’s my brother’ the hollies.

peace

roshan

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Filed under: Events

International Candlelight Memorial 2011

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Tue, 24 May 2011 05:51:20 +0000

: Poster

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is observed on the third Sunday of May every year. This memorial is held in memory of people who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. In remembering those who died due to the virus we strengthen our pledge to fight for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.
This year, Shanker Foundation, Darjeeling organized the Memorial in Chowrasta. Chowrasta is a place that is visited by hundreds to take a walk or just hang about in Darjeeling and therefore apt to hold the Memorial. The Memorial this year had more participants and more people. It is now an annual program that Shanker Foundation observes since 2008 though the history of the International Candlelight Memorial stretches much further and started in 1983.
Gurus from Gurudwara, pundits, Buddhist monks, Catholic priests, members of the Pranami and Brahmakumari sects lead us with their prayers. Each prayer was recited differently but was alike in their aim to pray for the souls of people who passed away and those living with HIV/AIDS.
Pratap and Ghanu who are members of the Foundation spoke about living with HIV/AIDS along with how they came to accept their positive status and the changes they brought about in their lives. They spoke powerfully on the issue and brought forth a sense of empowerment they have in sharing their stories with people which in turn help in changing lives of others infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Positive speakers are powerful catalyst who bring the emotional and most importantly personal aspects of the issue to the fore and make us realize that we are not dealing with just an “issue” here but people.
The prayer service was followed by music; young and upcoming bands like the “Laidback” and Darjeeling Hills based artists brought the young to their feet but kept the focus on the issue as well. A short documentary on HIV/AIDS made by the Mass Communications student of St.Joseph’s College, Darjeeling gave a local perspective on the issue and showed that the youth of Darjeeling are aware of the facts relating to HIV/AIDS.
As an end note, I feel the Memorial in May seems like the right time to bring up the issue of HIV/AIDS since it’s the middle of the year. It is important to keep the issue in the public consciousness throughout the year and not just on the 1st of December which is the International World AIDS day.

By Tashi Sherpa. Photographs by Ashesh Rai

Filed under: Events

The Wall: A message of Peace and Harmony

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:01:38 +0000

: The Road to Peace

The Logo

Members and Friends

Artists Behind The Wall

Filed under: Photos

The Wall: A message of Peace and Harmony

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:31:33 +0000

: The Road to Peace

What an experience it was this Sunday. Did not know it was 10-10-10 too if that adds value. Firstly it was FUN, all of us felt like artists even if it was carrying tea, paint, drawing a line or just being there. Importantly the whole day had direction, purpose, commitment and fulfillment. There was a sense of seminal work in progress Darjeeling and proud of being part of history and ART. The message is all “loud and clear” (sms i received the following day) and Shanker Foundation has etched a message for all too see, reflect and act on the wall. It was definitely a Positive Expression which seemed to carry with us at the end of the day when we were signing our names on the wall, going home and going to bed.

The day was not just about art and a positive expression. It was about working together and having fun. It was about solidarity yet not feeling us and them. For me it was just US working on the wall. Amazing how each word and colour was weighed for what it means and what it says to us and the world. Amazing how all of us can work on small parts and still feel the whole and much larger. Leviathan had a very positive meaning for me.

Members and Friends

Not to forget that a lot of work had gone behind the wall with the conceptualisation and facilitation by Dipang and Sweta. One cannot forget all the guys who worked on Saturday cleaning and putting the background coat. Neither can we forget the running around for the permission for the wall from the Municipality. Really grateful to the Darjeeling Municipality for the permission as well as personal presence on Sunday.

>>Photos | >> Media Clippings

Filed under: Events

Training on Social Analysis and SHG

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:20:19 +0000

A two day residential training was conducted at Kalimpong for the members of Shanker Foundation. The training focused on Social Analysis and SHG. This training was organized by Shanker Foundation with the support of CHAI. It was organized in Kalimong with an aim to reach out the members of Kalimpong network of positive people. The objective of organizing the training was to empower the PLHAs socially and economically, since a majority of members are from Below Poverty Line owing to limited access to livelihood. Resource person Mr. Pius Tamang of Anugyalaya DDSSS facilitated the two day training.
The program delivered information pertaining to community based organizations which are limited in their roles to death, marriage and birth functions in the society. Mr Pius highlighted the need for change to include developmental work which is a pertinent challenge within the Darjeeling Hills.
On the second day the participants were explained about the SHGs and information relating to by-laws, membership, linkages with banks and income generation through small scale entrepreneurship. Several success stories/case studies were shared with the group. The session was highly interactive and the participants asked many questions. At the end of the training they gave their feedback and said that this program has been very helpful for them.
“I never had the ideas nor I’ve heard about this type of group, which would make us self sustainable. I am thankful to the foundation, now I have got a good idea and will definitely implement it in the formation of SHGs”.
Follow up meetings with Kurseong and Darjeeling to plan to organize similar trainings at Darjeeling and Kurseong on 24th and 30th Jan 10 for the members those who have not attended this training were planned. The training would be unique because the trainers would be the members who have attended this two days program.
It was decided that after the second training, an SHG will be formed within the three sub-divisons. The program was attended by 27 members from Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong.

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Filed under: Uncategorized

Subdivisonal Network Formed in Kurseong

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:55:53 +0000

A sub-divisional network of HIV positive people was formed in Kurseong where members of Shanker Foundation came together to form the governing board of the network. The sub-divisional network has been formed with the objective of decentralization and strengthening the district level network. Ms. Roma Chettri who recently came out in the open with her HIV/AIDS status was elected as the President of the board “The objective of the Kurseong sub-divisional network KRSP+ is to decentralize the advocacy actions, care & support and awareness activities which is now being carried out by the Darjeeling Network of Positive People” she said.
With the increase in membership of the Foundation which presently stands to around 200 positive people this move for decentralization has been long overdue. At the same time it is important for building linkages with the various sectors/stakeholders by the sub-divisional network at the sub-division.
“The hill sub-divisional networks will comprise of the district level networks where the board members from each sub-division will represent the respective sub-division at the district level network. Presently we have one staff member at Kurseong who has been carrying out the activities of the network” said Hari Chettri President of Darjeeling Network of Positive People (DjNP+).
In Kalimpong a meeting to revisit and strengthen the sub-divisional network KSP+ was held on 12 Jan 2010. An office has been set-up by the sub-divisional network with support from the Glenn Family Foundation. In the meeting it was decided that two staff members would be allotted to the sub-division by Shanker Foundation with support from CHAI Project Darjeeling.

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Filed under: Uncategorized

World AIDS Day-Outcomes

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:41:18 +0000

1 Dec, World AIDS Day
Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
Shanker Foundation DjNP+, member of Darjeeling NGO Network, together with ten other members of Darjeeling NGO Network came together to observe the World AIDS day at the Rink Mall Complex.
Hari Chettri, President of Shanker Foundation DjNP+ in the inaugural address welcomed the dignitaries and members present. “The art exhibition and the calendar is an expression of People Living with HIV/AIDS through the medium of art. It is a message to the world that life does not end with HIV/AIDS whereas people tend to view HIV morbidly. The youth needs to create awareness on HIV/AIDS as we are the generation that can stop AIDS” He highlighted the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day ‘Universal Access & Human Rights’ and implored the audience to register their signature for the memorandum on the Rights of PLWHAs.
A signature campaign on the memorandum with a 10 point charter of demands was signed off by Mr. Suman Das Pradhan, Secretary-Indian Red Cross Society. Signing off the charter he said “The demand for awareness in schools and colleges had been raised in the past too but till date it has not been implemented. This is a permanent demand that needs to be looked into as youth comprise the High Risk Groups” A total of 5000 signatures were registered in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik in the one day event.
Mr. S. Bhowmik, CMOH Darjeeling released the film “Positive Living” a film on People Living with HIV/AIDS. Signing on the signature campaign he said “We will follow up on the demands that have been made on the memorandum. We have been able bring the ART Link Centre in Darjeeling and we are trying to bring the CT Scan facilities as well”
Ms. Suprina Blone, District Information & Cultural Officer released the Shanker Foundation Calendar 2010. She said “The District Information and Cultural Office disseminates information on various programs, our office has been supporting Shanker Foundation in publishing and disseminating IEC material on HIV/AIDS within the Darjeeling Hills. We will continue to support such initiatives”. The Calendar 2010 is an annual mass awareness and fund raising initiative of Friends of Shanker Foundation which comprises of people who support the cause of People Living with HIV/AIDS. The Calendar was sponsored by NGOs, Business Houses and individuals to support the Darjeeling Network of Positive People. All the proceeds of the sale of calendar will go towards activities of Shanker Foundation DjNP+.
Dhurba Chettri, Program Officer-Darjeeling AIDS Control Centre said “ART Link Centre will be launched in the subdivision of Kalimpong shortly. In every block ICTC will be launched, while mobile testing facilities will be launched in rural and inaccessible areas.”
Dinesh Shreshta, President Darjeeling NGO Network said “The Darjeeling NGO Network has been working on HIV/AIDS for several years and will continue to do so. Promises made by the government should be followed up by civil society and citizens in a sustained manner. The Darjeeling NGO Network is a collective of 11 member organizations working in diverse fields in the Darjeeling Hills. The Network was formed in 1998 for building sustainable Darjeeling Hills through networking, relationship building and sharing of expertise.”
Following this there was a poem recital by Mr. Jagat Deusali, a community member and principal from Tamsang. The poem described the growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS within the Darjeeling Hills and highlighted the need for awareness to prevent the epidemic.
A cultural dance by Children from Chowrasta Youth Club was followed by a street play on the effects of HIV/AIDS on the community within the Darjeeling Hills by a community action group from Mareybong CHAI project.
Following this, rock bands featuring Baraka, Cannabis, Yellow Hammer, Black Apple, Primitive Future and Third Eye played English and Nepali music of different genres of rock, funk jazz and heavy metal music to create awareness among the youth on the importance of observing World AIDS Day. The program at Rink Mall Complex ended with a song on HIV/AIDS by Yellow Hammer titled ‘Kina Kina’.
In Kurseong, Shanker Foundation member of Darjeeling NGO Network in collaboration with Health Dept, Red Cross Society, Manas Bangla and CBOs came together to observe World AIDS Day. The signature campaign on the memorandum was simultaneously launched where 2000 signatures were registered. Shanker Foundation Calendar 2010 was also launched during the event.
A blood donation camp was organized where 18 people came forward to donate blood. Several information booths along with a mobile van information kiosk distributed IEC materials to the general public.
In Kalimpong, Anugyalaya DDSSS, member of Darjeeling NGO Network in collaboration with Glenn Family Foundation, HANDS, Hill Social Welfare Society, WBVHA and World vision observed World AIDS Day by launching the Signature Campaign on the Memorandum. A total of 2200 signature was registered during the day. A human chain was also formed in the Kalimpong town area.
In Mirik, Friends of Trees Forum, member of Darjeeling NGO Network in collaboration with Mirik Nari Sewa Samity, CBOs and Health Dept. observed World AIDS Day by launching the Signature Campaign on the Memorandum. A total of 200 signatures were registered during the event. The calendar 2010 was launched and several information booths and Mobile Van distributed IEC material to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS.

>>Media Clippings | >>Photos | >>Video | >>Radio Interview|>>Watch Film “Positive Living”

Posted in Events

1 Dec ’09-World AIDS Day

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:46:42 +0000

Dec 1’09 World AIDS Day Media Clippings

Posted in Media

1 Dec’09-World AIDS Day

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:22:05 +0000

Posted in Photos, Uncategorized

Catalogue-Greeting Cards & Calendar

Shanker Foundation DjNP — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:20:33 +0000

Greeting Cards:

Dimension: 8″x6″

Paper quality: 250 gsm

Inside: White: Blank space for customised message

Envelopes: 45 gsm hand made paper (produced by Manokamna Handmade Paper Factory)

Price: INR 20 per piece/INR 100 for 1 pack of 5 cards

Wall Calendar 2010:

Dimension: 7″x11.8″

Paper: 250 gsm

Spiral Bound: with hanger

Price: INR 70 per piece

Click on the images below to (enlarge) view the cards/calendar pages

Posted in Announcements