The Cure of Childhood Leukemia: Into the Age of Miracles Book

They say "Truth is powerful". AIDS Sutra, an anthology of stories about HIV/AIDS problem in India, is definitely one of the most powerful work I have read. The stories written by some of India's best novelists throw a light on the untold and most detested public health problem, which has been denied for too long. This collection of stories covers all the aspects of HIV/AIDS. The prostitutes both male and female, Devdasis, MSMs, transgenders, married couple with HIV, children of HIV positive parents and of course the known and unknown aspects of law enforcement and the brutality of the same. The narration is so simple that it makes one feel the pain of people who are facing this terrible life with HIV.

In India, where even mention of sex is a taboo, people are afraid to talk openly about the infections that are caused due to unprotected sex. They want to push the problem under the rug and think it doesn't happen to "Them". The story of Murad is one such story. Murad's denial led to his ultimate demise. The blatant disregard for doctor-patient confidentiality (Mr X vs. Hospital Y), police brutality (Maarne ka Bhagane Ka), terrible feeling of loneliness (Nowhere to call Home) show the dark side of this problem.

Prostitution perhaps the oldest profession in the world, is though much detested and illegal, is still extremely in demand. Under different social pretenses (Devdasis, historical profession as depicted by Kiran Desai) prostitution continues to flourish. Though needed by the society and expected by men visiting as their right, these women suffer horrible pain and physical ailments. The whole description of sex in forest is just terrible. The men having sex with men or MSMs face another terrible life. At least women are accepted to provide sex to men but men are not only looked down upon socially but they are physically and sexually abused by the police. Of course, not all policemen are like that. Some of them realize the problem but still they have to follow the law. Thankfully section 377 is abolished now and homosexuality is no longer a crime in India, still the problem of health and social acceptance remains.

Not all stories are hopeless. Salman Rushdie's story of transgender community gives hope. Nalini Jones story of love even after HIV positive status definitely is a beacon of hope. My favorite story is Bhoot Ki Kahaniyaan. Children who are infected face terrible social bias with no crime of their own. But still they manage to find love and happiness.

Amartya Sen's prologue is wonderful. It provides explanation of both the economic and social aspects of HIV/AIDS problem. India, the home of almost three million HIV/AIDS cases, needs to look beyond only medical solution to the problem. Understanding and accepting the people is as much important as ARTs. This is a very powerful anthology as well as an excellent social science book. As a social science professional I will recommend this book to everyone.