Indian truck drivers cheer kiss that sparks outrage
By: Drivers.com staff
Date: 2007-04-18
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Truckers cheered at a promotion event in New Delhi when Hollywood actor Richard Gere demonstratively kissed and embraced Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. However, when video of the incident was shown on TV across India the following day it provoked effigy-burning protests amongst groups outraged at what they called an insult to India's culture.
The protesters said Gere insulted Indian culture by kissing the hand and face of Shetty, but Shetty herself dismissed the incident and said the protests made India look silly to foreigners.
Along with Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Shilpa Shetty, Gere had been addressing about 4,000 truck drivers last Sunday evening to celebrate 'Seena Taan Ke', an event aimed at highlighting the contribution of truckers to India's economy and the importance of safe sex practices.
The event was part of a three-year national initiative to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS and foster partnerships amongst diverse groups to fight the problem. Many truck drivers spend up to 25 days a month away from home and the temptation to associate with prostitutes is high.
There are nearly five million truck drivers in India of whom about 40 percent are most vulnerable to HIV. The HIV rate among them is at least three times the national average.
United Nations agencies fear that, just as truck drivers in Africa spread AIDS throughout that continent, the same will happen in India. Up to 10 millions people could be infected over the next decade, they reckon.
In one major initiative Apollo Tyres launched a Health Care Center based in a large truck stop. Opened in 2000, the center features STD diagnosis and treatment, condom promotion and behavior change mediation. 
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