The Condom Bar at Kalagram

Chandigarh has almost always led the way in terms of taking innovative, bold and effective ways of fighting problems at all levels, be it at a social problem, a medical problem or a the personal problems of the city residents . And if there is one problem that comes under all these catagories, it is the problem of the disease called AIDS. India has the largest population of AIDS patients which, as per UNAIDS, is pegged at more than 5.7 million. It transcends all classes of people with varied backgrounds and about 50 percent new cases are being reported each year from the age group of 15-24 years. Of this large figure, in Chandigarh alone, there are about 1500 HIV positive people as of now.

The Idea and its Implementation
The latest initiative of opening a theme based bar-cum-discotheque by Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO) in the premises of Kalagram on Chandigarh-Panchkula Highway is another step forward. With condoms as the theme, this Condom Bar is already a rage among the people of the city, especially among youngsters. The bar is ‘different’ in the true sense of the word and that gives is the edge. The message it conveys is so important that visitors come as brats and go back as responsible citizens, all this without taking away the fun, frolic and, ofcourse, the drinking!

The Inauguration
The Bar was inaugurated on May 2, 2007 by Pooja Thakur, a city resident whose husband died of the fatal disease in October 2005. Pooja is, herself, an HIV patient and she also has two small sons, one of whom is also HIV positive. But that does not diminish her zeal to work for people suffering from this deadly disease. She is presently the president of Chandigarh Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS. .

The Bar - as it is..
Besides having souvenirs like cups, T-shirts and caps highlighting the use of condoms and safe sex, the unique bar has real condoms dotting the walls that stack liquor bottles. The Bar even even has a counter that offers free condoms and also contraceptives for women.
Slogans and catch-phrases like “Don’t just get on. Get it on! ” and “Protect yourself, protect others” are printed and embossed on the placemats on the tables. This is a novel and playful method of getting a serious message across. The youngsters who frequently visit the bar are quite appreciative and supportive of the whole concept and the unique idea.
Even at the billing counter, customers are offered packs of condoms or a choice of other souvenirs like mugs, T-shirts or caps (all bearing the condom logo!).  instead of small change against bill payments.
The theme is not limited to just the walls and the interior decoration. The bar has condom-shaped beer mugs and even the uniforms worn by the staff have condom prints on them.

A Great step forward
This bar is a symbol of the open-mindedness of the Chandigarh people, in general, and their commitment towards a serious cause like HIV/AIDS, in particular. Initiatives like this are not new for the tricity, but this one is perhaps the most significant step beacause of its great social relevence. CITCO deserves praise for this initiative and for all those who have dismissed this as a ‘vulgar’ bar, we can only say ” Don’t visit the bar, who’s forcing you?” But one thing is sure;  that a visit to the bar will only help them realize the difference between open-mindedness and vulgarity. At the end of the day, things are the way you see them!