Thursday, May 22, 2003
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Tamil Nadu
By Ramya Kannan
In what is seen as a diversion from the established methodology of tackling crisis situations, in terms of situational analysis, planning, resource mobilisation and media campaigns, the UNDP believes that HIV/AIDS epidemic calls for transformation in the "being and doing" of leadership. A key aspect of this transformational shift in the response to HIV/AIDS is to identify leaders across society to achieve significant breakthrough in the battle, according to UNDP HIV/AIDS group head, Monica Sharma. Part of the changing paradigm acknowledged the pervasive resignation, hopelessness, cynicism, discrimination, shame and fear that have come to dominate approaches to the pandemic, but simultaneously worked to infuse positive emotions into the existing framework. Through a process of conversation, dialogue and discussions, the United Nations agency hoped to create breakthroughs and the possibility of hope, Dr. Sharma said. As part of this attempt to develop leadership skills in the community, the UNDP roped in around 100 persons from the media and arts from different States to attend a regional workshop in Goa between May 9 and 12. Among the more prominent participants at the workshop comprising journalists, film and theatre personalities from India and Nepal, were ad man Prahlad Kakkar, Children's Film Society chairperson Sai Paranjpye, actress Nanditha Das, artist Achuthan Kudaloor and poetess Imtiaz Dharker. The workshop aimed at shifting basic images and society-wide perceptions to create new images, icons and metaphors, to take a stand and `seize the day,' according to UNDP HIV and Development Programme regional co-ordinator, Sonam Yangchen Rana. Following close on the heels of a similar leadership workshop held in the capital for persons with HIV/AIDS, the workshop examined the possibilities of going beyond merely reporting facts and trends of the epidemic or sob-stories on the devastation and problems. It is believed that the emerging leaders of the sector will be able to shift public perceptions and create new images and stories that will actually help reverse the epidemic, since "communication" is perceived to be the "first line of defence against the epidemic." Mediapersons also resolved to work together to take the images of leadership in general and women leadership in particular, beyond the workshop. The conclusion of the workshop even saw the formation of e-groups and discussion forums among print journalists. The Goa workshop replicated the experiment that was undertaken in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the media were able to successfully create new icons and metaphors for the changing paradigm, according to UNDP staffers. These leadership workshops would be offered to different constituencies to several countries (India, Cambodia, Malaysia and China) over the years, UNDP staff members said. In addition to involving those living with HIV/AIDS and mediapersons, the organisation will also reach out to governance groups: local politicians, panchayati raj institutions (PRI) and strategic planners. A series of special workshops for PRI representatives have been planned for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
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