Richard Gere wants to launch health schemes for Indians

Mysore, Jan 12 (UNI) Eminent Hollywood actor Richard Gere today expressed keen interest in launching various health programmes for the Indian population through his foundation.

Speaking to newspersons at Bylakuppe after laying the foundation stone for a building in the presence of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, he said ''I am an old friend of Tibet and Dalai Lama. I have taken up various health programmes for Tibetans in India and nearly 5,000 Lamas are benefitting from health programmes. It will be extended to 10,000 people shortly.'' Gere pointed out that various organisations were trying to remove the social stigma attached to HIV/AIDS in the country. Recently, over 15,000 sex workers had taken oath that they would not have sex without condoms. ''Such awareness should be created by providing proper education to the people on this issue. I, you, NGOs and the Governments should take up this issue seriously to remove misconceptions.'' Accompanied by his wife Carrey Lowell, he went round all the Tibetan camps at Bylakuppe.

Later speaking to newspersons, Dalai Lama said Tibetans were not seeking a separate State, but only asking China to grant it self-rule or autonomy.

Appreciating Kannadigas for sheltering Tibetans at Bylakuppe, he said they had a good relationship with the local people and nearly 40,000 Tibetans were in the State.

UNI