Report and Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/SP)
 
Mumbai, Dec 2: Indian Development Foundation (IDF) and Vivek Education Society jointly organized World AIDS Day programme on December 1, 2009 at Vivek College of Commerce, Goregaon (West), here.
 
About 300 students from various schools and colleges from all over the metro, took active part in the awareness programme and received vital information on HIV/AIDS.
 

“Though the number of HIV positive cases is coming down in India, we need to show some concern for those already affected with this dreadful disease, and who are under constant worry of dying out of this disease. We can stop HIV/ AIDS only through proper awareness and education. World AIDS Day gives us an opportunity to take part in the massive campaign and spread the message,” said Sangeeta Srivastava, principal of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vividlakshi Vidyalaya and chief guest of the programme.
 
Rekha Bajaj of Educomp Solutions Limited, was the guest of honour at the programme. She stressed on the importance of faith, love and joy. “Youth in this country should know the importance of life and help to build a healthy society,” she advised.
 
Dr A R K Pillai, president of Indian Development Foundation, interacted with the students and said, “good nutrition and medical care can increase bodily strength and delay the onset as well as the frequency of opportunistic infections.”
 
Suresh Nair, principal of Vivek Vidyalaya and Junior College, stressed on the statistical details and the rising problem relating to AIDS in India. He said early detection is crucial, as it helps quick medical support, thereby increasing the lifespan of the HIV infected people.  
 
Dr Narayan B Iyer, national co-ordinator of IDF, urged the students to come forward and fight against the dreaded disease.
 
The speeches and slogans created by the students on this occasion, stressed on undertaking a massive health awareness and education campaign, to stop the spread of this disease.
 
Aparna Panicker, who bagged the first prize, stressed on community participation and love for the children affected with HIV.  The skit on ‘Aao Isse Dafnaaye Saathiyon’ by Gokuldham High School students stole the show. 
 
Dr Nandita Roy, principal of Vivek College of Commerce, said that young students are all set to lead a national campaign on HIV/AIDS, to stop the menace.
 
Bedrock hall was fully decorated with messages and vital information on HIV/AIDS. Colourful banners, posters, charts and news-clippings provided added impetus to the programme.
 
Students from Bharati Vidyapeeth University and Dental College, Gokuldham High School, N M College of Commerce, S V K M Law College, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, T P Bhatia College, Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Commerce and Management, Vivek College of Commerce, Vivek Vidyalaya and Junior College and Yashodham High School actively participated.
 
Red ribbons were distributed to all the students while pamphlets on HIV/AIDS were exchanged for providing added knowledge. Students and dignitaries joined in lighting the candles to mark the World AIDS Day and pledging to fight against the disease.
 
Stop AIDS: ‘Keep the Promise’, was the slogan raised by the students as they lighted the candles.  People need to respect and protect themselves against getting infected with AIDS, the students believe.