Indians and Americans Believe in Helping Others

Not a community in Andhra Pradesh has been spared the tragedy of HIV/AIDS.  Fortunately, Hyderabad has a number of caring organizations dedicated to serving the needs of the those touched by the disease.  Public Affairs Officer Juliet Wurr and Cultural Specialist Salil Kader visited The Desire Society in K.P.H.B. Colony Hyderabad, October 23, 2009, to see how 45 children, ages 2-14 years of age were coping.  The answer?  They still know how to laugh and sing and dance as well.  Ms. Wurr taught them songs in English, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”  and watched one little lad out dance Michael Jackson.  Nireekshana ACET, a community based organization dedicated to the compassionate care and support of people living with  HIV/AIDS, reaches out to more than 5000 individuals and their families.  What it shares with The Desire Society is the compassion and dedication of its staff (many of whom are volunteers). 

Ms. Wurr and Consular Officer Jane Carter spent a morning learning how Nireekshana extends a helping hand, October 27.  Services for children, counseling, medical advice and lab services are just a small part of what they do.    Americans consider volunteerism an integral part of their lives and our young adults dedicate hours every week helping others.   It’s obvious that the spirit of compassion and desire to help runs deep in Hyderabadis, too.