Against the flow of Discrimination and Apathy: Dr.Lalita Edwards and Dr.Alma Ram

‘But what would people say?’ As an Indian, and I am sure many of you , especially those from African and Asian backgrounds would relate, is something which plays a pivotal role in relation to how we act, relate and behave. To be socially and culturally correct is sometimes more important then speaking out on issues or reaching out to people around us whom we look at but do not see.

As part of my job, I get to travel to and visit people and organisations involved in work which seek to serve people shackled by poverty, hopelessness and rejected by society. There are many individuals and organisations doing this in their own capacities and methodologies but once in a while you meet people and see projects which uplift you and inspire you with their passion, commitment and genuine love for the people they serve.

During my recent visit to the states of Maharashtra and Punjab I met two such individuals: Dr. Lalita Edwards in Pune and Dr. Alma Ram in Tarn Taran in Punjab. Both are medical doctors and have been involved in their work even before I was born. Both address very challenging issues in difficult situations

Dr. Edwards is involved in work which is focused on the Red Light areas of the city of Pune . She has a home for children from these areas and till recently also ran a day care centre for children of women here during the times of day which are ‘peak hours ‘of business here. Her special interest and burden his for the ‘Hijda’ (Eunuch/Transgender) community.

The Transgender community is at the lowest of the bottom strata if society in India. Rejected and feared by many, cultural legends attribute them with potent blessings and curses. Since the avenues of livelihood are limited to begging for money ; singing ,dancing and giving blessings at weddings and when a child is born ( boy child in particular ) ,many have to turn to prostitution to make ends meet.

This was my first opportunity to meet and interact a little with them when I visited the area with Dr. Edwards. Her project coordinator is from the community itself. They are warm, friendly and very creative people and when they lower their emotional guard a little, you can see the pain and trauma they go through when faced with discrimination and abuse; verbal and physical, every day.

Dr. Edwards, after years of service is now accepted and loved by this community which is extremely closed and distrustful to others for reasons obvious .She hopes for transformational change in their lives. For this the first step would be a change in the way we view them and also the way they view themselves.

We unfortunately are people who excel in keeping our eyes and ears selectively shut when it comes to issues which make us uncomfortable. We also have a tremendous talent when it comes to hypocrisy. The society, the Church and other faith communities have walls of apathy well entrenched which need to be broken down. Considering how hard it is to accept women who are sex workers, Lord knows how we would react when it comes to reaching out to the Transgender people in the shadowy fringes of our society.

Dr Alma Ram runs an organisation called ‘Jagriti Bhalai Kendra ‘with is involved in serving community health issues in 30 villages in rural Punjab. She started work addressing the practice of female infanticide in a state which accounts for over 80% of the total cases of honour killings in India.

While visiting her and her work, I came to understand how important the work she is doing is, in this context. Two nurses who are co-sent by CMS, Melody and Azahi , work alongside Dr. Alma .

I was encouraged by the focus of work which she carries out among people with HIV/AIDS. During my years in Nepal, working in peace building in close association with technical staff who address HIV/AIDS we came to realise something. All activities carried out mainly focused on awareness, Anti retroviral treatment and community home based care. But of what use is extended life and health if the spirit is dying? People with HIV/AIDS facing discrimination and exclusion often spiral into depression and feeling of hopelessness and being of no use. Yes , there is no SMART way or ‘indicators’ to measure quantifiable and time frame bound impact of spending time , encouraging , being patient as they vent their anger and frustration , showing genuine concern and love for them and generating creative ways both vocational and hope inducing , but this is just as important .

Today as I write this, India celebrates its independence day. We have come a long way, achieved a lot and have a lot of reasons to be proud of, but we also have a long way to go and we need to shed our apathy and wage a peaceful struggle against bastions of modern day slavery and injustice , so that we may be truly free .