MSF and India

Novartis was one of the 39 companies that took the South African
government to court five years ago, in an effort to overturn the
country's medicines act that was designed to bring drug prices down.
Now Novartis is up to it again and is targeting India.

India produces affordable medicines that are vital to many people
living in developing countries. Over half the medicines currently used
for AIDS treatment in developing countries come from India and such
medicines are used to treat over 80% of the 80,000 AIDS patients in
Médecins Sans Frontières projects.

If Novartis is successful in its challenge against the Indian
government and its patent law, more medicines are likely to be patented
in India, making it very difficult for generic producers to make
affordable versions of them. This could affect millions of people
around the world who depend on medicines produced in India.

Tell Novartis it has no business standing in the way of people's right
to access the medicines they need. Sign on and urge Novartis to DROP
THE CASE against the Indian government.

http://www.msf.org/petition_india/can_eng.html

A Farewell Fairytale

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, there lived three princesses. Princess Greeny, who was said to be as precious as an emerald, two twin princesses, Neha the First, who had an enchanting rhythm, and Neha the Second, a fiery goddess, and Prince Jaison, who was a caring brother to them all.

The time had come for the Grand Majestic Ball organized by none other than the world-renowned event planner Jai Kumar. Only the most distinguished guests were invited from all over the kingdom. Notables such as Sir Sibu, Sir Rajesh, and Sir Omesh - and might I add all well trained in the art of theatre.

The festivities were opened by Vandana, the Excited Trumpeteer. First, there was an inspiring speech given by Surekha, the Great Thinker. Then, Mijula followed with words full of poetic kindness. After dinner, Shiv and Sid got everyone warmed up with a lively dance. Under the quiet gaze of Chandru, the Man in the Moon, the laughter, singing, and celebration went on late into the night. (Oh yes, and a bunch of Canadians crashed the party too).

The kingdom awoke the next morning as Teju, the Sun Goddess, opened her big heart and smiled to summon a new day.

All the people rejoiced and felt blessed to be surrounded by such good friends and memories! And they lived happily ever after...and visited all their Canadian friends in Montreal!

THE END


by Maya Dhawan

Snowy days

Back to the land of open spaces and snow. Today is -25 degrees with the windchill....brrrrrr, you need to wear long john's and wrap a scarf around your face in this weather. I miss India's sunshine, bright colours and lively people. When i first returned home i was shocked by the silence- i found it relieving and haunting at the same time...sitting in the living room and being mesmerized by the loud buzzing of the refridgerator for it was the only sound i could hear. I think that many of us have been experiencing bouts of isolation since we arrived back in Montreal. We had just spent three and a half weeks functioning within a big group and being surrounded by excitement and activity every day.

I was really struck by some of e-mails that were sent in response to the Eduardo Galeano quote. I will admit that i haven't known how to respond...because there was a lot addressed in each e-mail. I think that there were some very valid points expressed from the Indian perspective. I guess all i can do is speak from my own perspective.

On the topic of globalisation and multi-national corporations, I am aware and acknowledge that there are many companies out there that are striving to be more responsible and to take positive measures in regards to the environment and to support smaller businesses and organizations in an effort to reach those who are not having there basic needs met. I was impressed by Surekha's arguments and articulation of the economic and political situation in India. I do think a healthy economy is an important part of spreading wealth and providing more opportunites for the poor. My question is at what cost?

I cannot help but be skeptical when it comes to big business and politics. I feel that the majority of CEO's and elite classes are working for their own benefits, with little regard for the majority of the world's population that is struggling just to survive. I also understand that this may be part of the scientific progression- of survival of the fittest, and competitive nature, but I don't think we need to look very far to see the catastrophic dammage that some of the MNC's have caused worldwide...and we watched several documentaries about it at Christ College for the political doc. festival. Eduardo Galeano writes from the South American perspective and is extremely critical of the impact of globalization and capitalism...and rightfully so i think. The Untited States has backed many brutal dictatorships in S.America throughout recent history that have allowed the MNC's to step with their factories and produce material goods for next to nothing, where the working conditions and wages for the local people are horrible, and the factories pollute and destroy the areas natural resources. In India, Bhopal is another example of a company that has wreaked havoc and destroyed lives and the environment. The examples that Surekha gave of how 'Sweatshops' have become the most safe and the best paying jobs for skilled women in Bangalore." I don't doubt that in some cases this is so, and i hope that there are these examples that continue to set better standards for factory workers worldwide.

I read recently that the U.S is currently supporting India in the race against China towards becoming a superpower. Where the U.S's motivations lie in this makes me nervous.

I don't mean to sound cynical or negative, and i know i am not addressing anything here that most people are not aware of. All I am wanting to say is that i think we need to be cautious. I do not believe that capitalism or communism is the way...i think we need to create something different, and what that is i am still trying to figure out for myself. I think that we need to build stronger local communities and be critical of the higher powers that be...that abuse their wealth and spread fear amongst the masses (at least here in N.America the mainstream media are all about keeping people in a state of fear).

In Canada, i see how many people suffer from isolation and depression. In the short time that i was in India, i did not see this as much. People seemed more open and connected to themselves and each other. I know this sounds romantic, but it is what i saw.

I think that part of this isolation and depression comes from the over-reliance on technology and entertainment. I feel that in our process of 'development' we have lost something along the way...and i think the loss has to do with connection, we have become dis-connected in a general sense- from the earth, ourselves and one another. Once again, this is only a part of the picture, of course there is many amazing things about living in Canada and I think there are a lot of people out there that are striving to build stronger communities, sustainable development options, and better alternatives.

In India, i saw many people that had an inner warmth and wealth that is often absent in the eyes of people here...it almost felt strange, but it quickly became contagious and i found myself smiling more often than i do here...the foreign feeling became familiar.

I strive to find more connection and happiness that resides in my heart...i know it is there, i just easily forget- get lost in worries, worries about money, family, relationships...get side tracked by thinking about the future, making money, wanting to be successful, but ultimately i know that none of that truly means happiness...

I came across this article on the BBC today.

Peace and Love,
J-Bird

We are home, or at least, I am home, in the house where I grew up to pretend that it is Christmas again with my family.

The flight back was comically long, never ending, it seemed. I cried an obscene amount while watching "Flicka" (well, obscene considering it was Flicka).

I am jet lagged to an extent that I have never been jetlagged. I fall asleep by ten pm and am up at five, even after three days. I am a wee bit sick, and the thought of sugary foods makes me nauseous (extremely, extremely unusual).

Last night I cried for the first time since I returned. I cried because I was lucky enough to have experienced the last four weeks in India. Because I made strong, yet strange connections with amazing Montrealers who have effected me more than they know. Because I have so many questions about how art can be used, questions that can't be answered in any definite way. Because I have to start making some serious life decisions, and this experience has made them harder. Because I already miss the beautiful weather, the constant questions, the dancing and instruments. Because here in my hometown, I never fit in like I fit in there. Because travelling is difficult. Because I was tired, overwhelmed.

Lots of feelings, thoughts, ideas. I feel strong, I feel happy.

-M

and more photos

and more photos

More photos

Sorry these are appearing sideways. We can't seem to rectify the problem.

RVF