Many celebs shy away from the issue of HIV, says Parmeshwar Godrej

She’s always been known to be active on the AIDS awareness front — philanthropist and businesswoman Parmeshwar Godrej talks more on the issue with DNA Excerpts...

Most causes have celebrities associated with them. Do you think there’s enough support coming from Bollywood for AIDS awareness campaigns in India?
I must note that in the West, movie stars and other celebrities have long been willing to involve themselves in HIV advocacy.  While I know several celebrities here who do the same, I would urge others to also step up and support the cause. 

Far too many still shy away from an issue that is so crucial to the wellbeing and growth of our country, from a social and economic perspective. HIV is not just about personal health — it impacts society as a whole, wreaks an economic toll and damages the fabric of our nation.  

Activists in the US and elsewhere had a saying, “Silence equals death” — I think that’s so very true in our context here in India.

You’ve always had your family — husband, children and daughter-in-law supporting you actively in your programme… What are they planning to do this year?
My family continues to be wonderfully supportive of Heroes Project, more than ever. The Mumbai Marathon in January will involve family members alongside our Heroes Project team and other partners.

It is learnt that a lot of international and Hollywood celebs have expressed their desire to be involved in your initiative. Comment.
Richard Gere was instrumental in getting me personally interested and involved in the issue of HIV, and the challenge it poses globally and here in India. 

I’ve been fortunate to have had the support of many celebrities and societal  leaders in our midst who have been involved with Heroes Project.  Hollywood and international celebrities are involved with many causes too, including HIV.

If there is an opportunity to work alongside such individuals in a way that is feasible and brings value to our efforts, then of course we would love to do so.  

Every year you plan a big finale after the year-long AIDS awareness campaign, what are your plans this year?
We’re happy to announce that this World AIDS Day, the Heroes Project is launching ‘Teach AIDS / Jeeyo aur Jeene Do’ — which brings HIV awareness and education to college students and youth at large, via an innovative educational tool that has been developed to raise awareness among young people, along with an HIV street play competition for colleges across Mumbai.

The  street play competition calls on college groups to submit entries of no more than 15 minutes in length, with the theme of HIV across the spectrum including the need to address stigma and discrimination. Judges are Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar. The finals will be held in February.