Consulate General of the United States, Mumbai, and Indo-American Chamber of Commerce come together for an AIDS Free India

March 15, 2007

MUMBAI –The United States Consulate General, Mumbai and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) today co-hosted AIDS Free India, an event organized to spread HIV/AIDS awareness in India. Held on U.S. Consulate Lawns in Mumbai, the evening saw an elite gathering of over two hundred people from the corporate sector, government officials, NGOs, and Bollywood stars.

With over 5.2 million HIV cases affecting Indians between the ages of 15 and 49, India is on the brink of a potentially major epidemic. Worldwide, over 40 million suffer from HIV and more than 20 million people around the world have lost their lives to the infection.

Hollywood film star and YouthAIDS Ambassador Ashley Judd had specially come to Mumbai to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and find solutions to control them.

Michael S. Owen, U.S. Consul General, Mumbai, encouraged broader support for HIV programs: “The United States has committed $15 billion for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and is spending approximately $30 million on HIV in India this year. Everyone can play a role in education, prevention, or care for those affected.” Mr. Owen stressed that those affected by HIV must be treated with dignity and receive desperately needed care. He invited businesses to consider how they could support their employees and their communities through education and outreach efforts.

Pledging support for an AIDS Free India, Mr Atul Nishar President, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce for Western India Council, while pledging support said, “Indo-American Chamber of Commerce has taken up the mission to create an AIDS-free India. We will motivate corporate members to come together to fight the spread of AIDS. This is the first major social responsibility project undertaken by the Chamber, which has so far solely been focusing on Indo-U.S trade.”

The evening program sought to galvanize private sector commitment to HIV/AIDS. Corporate leadership can help reduce stigma and discrimination. Workplace policies and programs can help to educate employees and provide support to those affected.

Mr. Owen also applauded the Indo-U.S. Corporate Fund for HIV/AIDS, a joint effort among Indian and U.S. governments and private corporations to build a broader coalition against HIV.

During the evening, Punj Lloyd, Ltd. group was recognized by the Corporate Fund partners and the Consul General for the company's leadership in launching a new initiative to fight HIV. Among the special invitees were United States Deputy Chief of Mission to India, Mr. Geoff Pyatt, Bollywood actors Suresh and Vivek Oberoi, actress Pooja Bedi, Municipal Commissioner for Mumbai, senior government officials and a host of leaders from corporate, financial, medical, and cultural realms. Sandeep Soparkar and Jesse Randhawa, Salsa performers, and rock band, Infra-Red entertained the crowd.