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UNODC ROSA (UR): SPYM has national and international presence. It would be interesting to know the journey of how SPYM grew to achieve this status and why did you, who had a Commercial Pilot License, decide to start this organization?
Rajesh Kumar (RK):During my studies in Jawaharlal National University (JNU) in 1983-84, my colleagues and I saw that some of the students / friends in the campus were dependent on drugs. Before JNU, I was studying in Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and there too some of the students were involved in drug use and in drug manufacturing. I knew how this negatively affected their life and the pain and stigma they endured. My instinct for social justice and responsibility led me to establish direct contact with other people and communities to improve this situation. Our First National poster competition on Drug Use was inaugurated by Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India at the parliament annexe in 1985.We managed to get half a million signatures from across the country and presented it to Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. The purpose of the signature campaign was to convince the political leadership /Government of India (GoI) to introduce programs on reduction of drug demand and supply and facilitate support and care through counseling and treatment for drug dependency. It has been a privilege for SPYM that we have been able to mobilize strong support to this cause from our former prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi who responded seriously by initiating and introducing the Scheme for prevention of alcoholism and substance ( Drugs ) Abuse through the government machinery.
«We managed to get half a million signatures from across the country and presented it to Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister of India.»
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(UR) I understand you were a small but dynamic group of young men and women. You were filled with the energy and determination to bring forward the issues of drug use. But what about the money? Where did the funding come from to organise campaigns and events?
(RK): We were a bunch of young research scholars. SPYM was in its initial stages and had not established itself as an organization which would mean that we had no sustained source of support system including funding. However, some of us received a fellowship sum of Rs. 2800-3000 a month from University Grant Commission (UGC). Today that sum would be worth Rs.10,000-15,000. Some of us put most of our fellowship money JNU professors were instrumental as well since they were encouraging and provided space for national events and accommodation for the participants at the University guest houses. SPYM mobilized the corporate sector for public private partnership and established in 1985 its counseling center in Safdarjang area, with the support of Oberoi Hotels for drug use prevention which was the first of its kind in Delhi.
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UR) What are the thrust areas of SPYM and its mission statement?
(RK): Our mission statement is very simple and straight forward "To enable people to maximize their potential, increase their abilities and to enhance human dignity by providing quality services within available resources". In simpler words we want to help people so that they can help themselves and lead a respectful life. The thrust areas are responding to youth concerns like targeting behavioral change through communication, referral and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) among non-student youth groups as well as to organize rallies to raise awareness among the mass and share information. A key area of focus is Drug Abuse: SPYM runs three drug de-addiction centers called "Mashwara" which offers services of competent professionals, committed to giving both physical and psychological support in the treatment of drug addicts and alcoholics. We are also involved in Community Development, HIV/AIDS awareness and Human Rights.
(UR) Your main target group is the youth. Do you think it was easier to mobilise the youth in your times starting from the late 80s than it is to motivate today's youth? What were the problems the youth faced then and how different is it today?
(RK): I feel it was easier to reach out to the youth at that time since they were more receptive and less exposed to the deluge of information. With the advent of internet, Television, hundreds of media channels, You-Tube, the youth of today are being constantly bombarded and submerged with information and visuals. As a result they are more informed and aware but also confused. They are not being able to process that information and sieve what is right and harmful. They are unable to make choices because there are too many to make. They are unable to trust any one person as there are too many sources of information and verification. When we organized campaigns and events earlier, large numbers of young people would turn up. The strategy to mobilize the youth of today is to involve international organizations with expertise in this field like UNODC ROSA and politically or socially recognized figures to spread the messages on drug use. This lends more credibility especially when it comes from organizations that have a strong international presence and impact.
«The strategy to mobilize the youth of today is to involve international organizations with expertise...like UNODC ROSA...This lends more credibility especially when it comes from organizations that have a strong international presence and impact».
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(UR) In your long years of experience what is a more challenging area to work: drug use or HIV/AIDS?
(RK): Both are very challenging and complex. One cannot view either of them in isolation. One has to understand them in relevance to the social background. Often researchers or organizations have a tendency to stress on spreading awareness or treatment for both drug use and HIV/AIDS. I feel it is important to grasp the underlying root causes of drug use and the spread of HIV/AIDs. I feel that both of these are manifestations of acute alienation of the individual from himself/herself, family and society. Alienation occurs due to depression, unhappiness at home, peer pressure, unable to meet self expectations and those thrust on him by society, media and family. At this stage the individual becomes vulnerable, insecure and seeks for instant gratification. It is then that he resorts to drugs or substances.
In today's fast paced world, everything is instant, quick. Children are almost being manufactured or mass developed on a conveyor belt. Parents have to give more time, stress more on values, create the feeling that they are there to guide and protect them and can be reached out to at any time.
«...drug use and the spread of HIV/AIDs...are manifestations of acute alienation of the individual from himself/herself, family and society. Alienation occurs due to depression, unhappiness at home, peer pressure...»
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(UR) How is SPYM associated with UNODC ROSA and how has this alliance helped SPYM strengthen its efforts in drug use and HIV/AIDS?
SPYM has long association with UNODC as partner NGO / Network in many projects which has strengthened the organisation in many forms
Direct partnership projects with UNODC to name few are as follows:
• Prevention of transmission of HIV among drug users in SAARC countries (H-13 project )
• Project on reducing the risk of HIV among the Injecting drug users (IDUs) has been implemented by SPYM in Northern India in partnership with NGOs and UNODC.
• Project I-49: Reducing substance use related HIV vulnerabilities in female drug users and female partners of male drug users
• Project G-86: Formation of peer networks to address HIV risks in injecting drug-using populations in the Northeast & Metropolitan cities of India
• Toll free help line with the support of UNODC
Toll free help line for the drug dependents has been provided by MSJ&E and UNODC in partnership with SPYM.
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UR) What are your views in engaging policy makers in addressing issues on drug use and HIV/AIDS? How helpful is it?
(RK): It is crucial to engage policy makers in addressing these issues. It is they who can really convert our efforts and make an impact at the top most level. I also think reputed organizations like UNODC ROSA who already have a strong relationship with the GoI can engage at least one parliamentarian or legislative council member to advocate for drug demand reduction. Change can come if we include those people who are capable of making changes at the policy level not just triggering a chain reaction. I have seen that parliamentarians are always willing to help but they need to be strategically approached and engaged in advocacy efforts. They need to be reminded that drug use and HIV/AIDs have to be a top priority as well.
(UR) What according to you has been a significant achievement or a landmark in your life?
(RK): Many would think that receiving national awards is a major achievement for me but the real award for me is understanding and helping to improve upon the situations of those human beings who need it the most . one of the major achievement is social /professional commitment and team spirit of our organisation . SPYM has established countrywide network providing services in the area of community mobilization, capacity building, health care and socio-economic development since last 23 years.
«The real award for us is helping the children, the faceless people like men having sex with men (MSMs), transgender people, women who have been deprived and sexually exploited. We help them to become fulfilled and self sustained individuals in society».
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(UR) What is that one message you would like to share. Something that has helped you make a difference in people's life, in your life and work as well?
(RK) I would say, it is important to be able to extend unconditional help. If we make an effort we can help in our own simple way. We can help to encourage volunteerism, ignite the true spirit to help and dedicate even a part of our time to those who truly need our help. Each step added will eventually make a leap. And that leap will transform their lives, ours and eventually the country's
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