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There comes an opportunity once in a while to change history. HIV as a disease tests our ability to look at ourselves with a reality lens. Do we care? Do we care enough? Do we care enough about the things that really matter? There is an urgent call for all rational and concerned human beings to look at a group within us that needs our commitment. It is when we take care of our most vulnerable that we show our true strength as a community. This is the call to action for us– can we reach out to our children living with HIV – children abandoned, stigmatized, orphaned and excluded? Can we take them up and integrate them into the very fibre of our society? Can we take up the mantle of hope and love and concern? Can we shout in a voice loud enough to be heard across nations the resounding message “We the people, our children, we care’??

The India International Pediatric AIDS Conference (Ind-IPAC) 2009 presents a trigger to this commitment that we must look within ourselves to find. This Conference brings together a collective of clinicians, academicians and social workers to look at the past to build the future.

The Conference is the brainchild of Dr. S.N. Mothi – a pediatrician of high caliber with a message for the world – “We cannot live in a world that is isolated by our own needs. We offer a hand of hope to those who need us – in the darkest hour let us offer a light, in the moment of deepest sadness let us offer a shoulder to cry on, in pain let a smile lighten the burden.

Asha Kirana was born with this vision. Every day patients come into Asha Kirana and leave with a ray of hope. Children smile as they meet the eye of a caring health worker. Memories are built along the way and burdens are made lighter. Yet the sadness of individual stories of fear, loss and illness pervade. One cannot but respond and the response must come now. This message brings a ray of hope and that in essence is ‘Asha Kirana’

Legend goes that Mysore has been named after the demon Mahishasura, who was slain here by the Goddess Durga. From 1400 A.D, Mysore was the main city of the Hindu kings, the Wodeyars. The Wodeyars were under the Vijayanagar Empire till it collapsed in 1565 A.D, upon which they declared themselves independent. In 1956 this princely state joined the Republic of India marking the end of the Wodeyar rule in Mysore.There was a brief interlude though in the 18th century with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan taking reigns of the Mysore kingdom with Srirangapatna as their capital. However, on defeating Tipu Sultan, the British handed Mysore back to the Wodeyar Kings.

Mysore is located at an altitude of 770mtrs above msl and situated at 12  18’ North latitude 76  12’ East longitude. Flanked  by the rivers Kaveri and Kabini,  Mysore enjoys a very hospitable climate all through the year, where temperatures vary between 20C and 30C.

A city rich in culture and heritage is also known for its sandal, silk, flora, fauna, handicrafts, classical musical, architectural wonders and of course Mysore is reknowned for its educational and research centers. Itis a shoppers delight offering right from incense sticks to exquisite silk sarees. We think that you should really budget for buying some very good Mysore Silk Sarees for your loved ones.

From time immemorial, the city has played a major role in the history of South India. It has retained an aura of the old world charm with its magnificent palaces, ancient temples, sculptures, art, architecture, culture and the famous Dasara festival that never ceases to enchant and attract tourists from around the world. Narrow lanes, traditional houses, rangoli (floor art) at the doorstep, smell of incense sticks and camphor, a string of mango leaves called “Torana” decorated across the entrance, women draped in bright colourful sarees, traditional markets, rituals, customs and traditions add to the charm of the city.

1. Dr. Manjunath

2. Dr. Moses Christian

Join us at the International Initiative on Pediatric HIV / AIDS

Dear Sir/Madam,

Greetings from Asha Kirana, Mysore, India.

Asha Kirana began in 1997, in the city of Mysore, as the first ever counselling-care centre for People Living HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). With community participation evolved into a speciality hospital in 2004.

Out of 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS world over 2million are children under 15years. India has an estimated 2.5million (0.36% prevalence) people living with HIV infection. Of these 100,000 (4%) are children under 15 years. The issues and challenges faced by children infected and affected are quite complex and need to be addressed urgently.

To understand, deliberate and improve various methods of management of children living with HIV/AIDS Asha Kirana is conducting India- International Pediatric AIDS Conference on November 21st and 22nd 2009.

To mark this historic occasion we are bringing out a souvenir consisting of scientific abstracts, articles and socially relevant information on pediatric AIDS.

Kindly advertise in this souvenir to promote your products/ institution and contribute towards the conference and proposed Care Home Of Asha Kirana for children living with HIV/AIDS.

We request you participate in this endeavor.

Warm regards

Yours Sincerely

Dr.Mothi.S.N
Organizing Chairman