Religion to fight AIDS

Although a quarter of a century has passed since the virus was identified and a billion dollars spent globally on research annually, modern medicine has not found an effective AIDS vaccine. The AIDS epidemic has been spreading throughout the world claiming about five million new victims every year. In India alone we have 2.5 million people infected with the disease, of which 39 percent are women.

There is an urgent need for inter-religious collaboration so that the religions of the world can unitedly use their resources to combat it.

The Zoroastrian religion has influenced the ethos of sharing and caring. While reciting his prayers, a Zoroastrian prays for the good of all living creatures (Afrin-i-haft Ameshapandan 15-17). Standing before the holy fire, which is an inspiring symbol of divinity, a devotee earnestly prays, "Grant me a child…who would relieve distress (Atash Nyaish 5).” And in the Gathas, which are the teachings of Prophet Zarathushtra, he extols "Joy comes to the one who brings joy unto others (Yasna 43.1).”

The propensity toward philanthropy was motivated by Zoroastrianism, where accumulation of wealth by honest means is considered fundamentally positive. This, however, brings with it a social obligation to share one’s wealth with the less fortunate. One characteristic that is usually attributed to Zoroastrians is their large-heartedness or philanthropy, which is considered a sacred duty. There are several references in the scriptures that extol this cardinal virtue. One from the Menok Xrat states: "The first best act of righteousness is charity (Ch. IV, 2, 4).”

In India, poverty, unemployment and AIDS are linked. Many advocate abstinence as being the most ideal way for preventing AIDS, but this may not always be feasible. The Zoroastrian ideals of self-control, moderation and kindness are useful guideposts for its prevention and care. Zoroastrianism lays down certain norms for self-discipline. It forbids illegitimate sex, homosexuality, adultery, etc. It advocates a sound family life where marriage is considered a sacred union.

Who are we to judge and condemn? Instead of rejecting AIDS victims, we should not only accept them but also show compassion. The ancient Zoroastrian text, Dinkard states, "Apart from the salvation for one’s soul, it is best to strive for saving other people’s souls.” In the Zoroastrian tradition certain nirangs are meant to be efficacious in healing ailments. We must recite these prayers for patients and also encourage them to meditate.

The house of Godrej has launched a number of welfare programs for its workers and their families. Its initiative against AIDS, which commenced in 1993 with a multi-pronged strategy, focuses on awareness and prevention by organizing street plays, poster exhibitions and free tests to screen people for HIV. It seeks to actively get involved in the rehabilitation of those who are positive and counseling families on how to protect those who are negative. Patients are given free antiretroviral treatment and those who are well enough are brought back into the mainstream. They believe in fighting AIDS — not people with AIDS.

His altruism and nobility inspired Dr Rustomji Billimoria to establish Bel-Air Hospital and Sanatorium for tuberculosis patients at Panchgani in 1912. This sprawling 44-acre facility, the largest such center in India, was for many decades run as a private medical institution but in 1964 the family of the founder transferred the management to the Indian Red Cross Society of Maharashtra. In 1994, the management and administration of Bel-Air was entrusted to a Catholic Missionary Organization called Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS) who agreed to manage the hospital as a Red Cross project to serve the large rural population. Today Bel-Air is being run most effectively due to the unstinted devotion and ceaseless efforts of Homai Modi, joint honorary secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Maharashtra, together with Father Tony and his team.

Since 1995, Bel-Air has launched a very effective project for AIDS patients. In order to ensure its effectiveness, many allied activities have also been launched viz., a training program for about 200 doctors in HIV management, AIDS Awareness Programs during the World AIDS Week and starting a Bel-Air College of Nursing in 2006 with special focus on AIDS. Moreover, the Bel-Air Ayurvedic and Naturopathy Centre forms part of the well established allopathic hospital. Prayer sessions are held every Sunday together with yoga and meditation classes.

Dr HOMI DHALLA

wzcf@bom8.vsnl.net.in