UPDATED: 22 September, 2004
The purpose of these articles is to raise public awareness regarding the many societal problems in India, with special focus on HIV/AIDS. Most of these articles are based on my experiences and knowledge gained during trips to India to promote AIDS awareness and prevention, and rural development.
This talk was given at the Conference "The Feminine Epidemic: Global Intersection of Women and HIV/AIDS" organized by the Student Global AIDS Campaign at the University of Chicago on 26 May 2007. It discusses the diabolic nature of HIV, examines empowerment in the context of sex workers, and offers suggestions for how a concerned person can help. (LAUR-07-3557)
"The Dilemma of Circumcision for Hindu Parents" This article points out some key impediments to convincing Hindu parents to circumcise their sons in light of growing evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of transmission of HIV universally.
"Choosing which child to empower through quotas in higher education" This article presents my views on why imposing quota systems in institutions of higher learning do not serve the best interests of the country and will impede development.
"HIV/AIDS and the future of the poor, illiterate and marginalized populations" This article explains why the fast spread of HIV/AIDS should warn us of the very future of the poor, illiterate and marginalized populations. It discusses the chief threats to their well being and outlines key interventions that need to happen to allow them to transition to developed communities.
"Risky Sex, Addictions, and Communicable Diseases in India: Lessons for Health, Development and Security." A monograph investigating and discussing sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis in India and their connection to alcohol and drug addictions. Published by the Chemical and Biological Arms Control Institute (CBACI), Washington, D.C. as Special Report Number 8 in their Health and Security Series, September 2004.
"Education: the key to Development. Lessons from India" Talk given at the American University, Beirut, Lebanon. Oct. 2003
Thoughts on the workshop "Land, Community and Governance" organized in Udaipur by Seva-Mandir during 12-13 September, 2003. Published in the Seva-Mandir Newsletter, Volume October 2003 - March 2004.
Should commercial sex be designated sex work or prostitution in the era of HIV/AIDS?
Five questions on HIV/AIDS in India following the National Parliamentarians Forum, July 2003
Why has the number 4 million HIV positive people failed to elicit the required response in India?
Response to article by Drs. Potts and Walsh, BMJ 2003; 326 1389-1392
"BEING A GOOD ROLE MODEL". A talk to parents and teachers in India on the importance of setting a good example.
"RESPONSE TO HIV/AIDS -- A UNIVERSAL POLICY". My thoughts on what a national policy on controlling HIV/AIDS should be.
"THE NEED FOR A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SOCIAL INTERVENTION". In this article I advocate for the urgent need for a large scale holistic effort to change the lives of the have-nots of the world.
"RISK FACTORS AND SOCIETAL RESPONSE TO HIV/AIDS IN INDIA". This article exposes some of the less talked about ways of spread of HIV in India, advocates for immediate provisions for availablity of anti-retroviral therapy for the HIV+, and discusses the efforts of two NGOs (Arpana Trust and FXB India) for providing health care and HIV intervention.
"WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CONDOMS". A plea to Christian Organizations in India to break their silence on promoting the use of condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
"ISSUES OF BLOOD SAFETY IN INDIA". This article explores the causes, and possible solutions, of risk of blood borne diseases.
Article titled "ON THE HIV BEAT IN BOMBAY". It describes my experiences in Mumbai while accompanying HIV intervention workers from Humsafar Trust.
Thoughts on whether there should be isolated or common wards for HIV+ patients
Article titled "HEALTH CARE IN INDIA IN LIGHT OF HIV/AIDS AND THE ROLE OF THE WEST" It discusses six topics:
Article titled "HIV/AIDS POSES A THREAT TO INDIA: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE"
Article titled "DILEMMAS IN THE CARE OF PATIENTS WITH AIDS IN INDIA". A abridged version of this article was published in "Issues in Medical Ethics", vol VIII No. 2, April-June, 2000.
Article titled "THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC IN INDIA IS REAL" discusses the magnitude of the problem in India