To observe World AIDS Day-2022, different activities on the theme, “Equalise: Achieving Equity to end HIV/AIDS” were organised by Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of Government College of Women Udhampur in collaboration with J&K AIDS Control Society and Higher Education Department J&KUT here today.
Principal of the College, Dr. Monika Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion. She lauded the efforts of RRC for organizing different events to generate awareness among the youth as well as society regarding HIV/AIDS.
She further added how this acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). She spoke in detail about the involvement of Government, health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world in observing this day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.
Earlier Dr. Kewal Kumar, Convener Red Ribbon Club presented his Welcome address, in which he informed the audience about this year’s theme for World AIDS Day which is “Equalise: Achieving Equity to End HIV/AIDS.”
He explained how it encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care. He also informed the audience that on this day, various awareness campaigns and activities that promote disease awareness, are conducted by several organisations across the world.
In the morning session, a poster making competition was held in which about 29 students participated and made beautiful and message oriented posters on the given theme. The posters clearly and magnificently depicted the causes, prevention and control measures of AIDS, thus sending an awareness message among the students and other participants of this event Dr. Sanjeet Kour, HOD Zoology, Prof. Ashni Devi, HOD Botany and Prof Sumita Rao, Assistant Professor of Zoology were the jury members.
On the basis of judgment of jury members, Miss Anita Devi of Sem-V, Miss Sukanya Sharma of Sem- Sem-V were judged 1st and 2nd besides Miss Kiran Sharma of Sem – III & Neena Devi of Sem-V shared 3rd position respectively.
In the afternoon session, an extempore competition was conducted where students are allowed to speak on HIV/AIDS voluntarily for one-two minutes without any pre-preparation. Miss Anita Devi of Sem-V who begged 1st position in Poster Making also won the extempore competition.
After that Prof. Sumita Rao delivered a mind-storming lecture on HIV/AIDS. She explained in detail about the causes, effects, structure of HIV Virus, its transmission etc. by showing the different animation videos.
She also briefed the students about various treatments for HIV/AIDS available globally. Besides, she also discussed various stigma associated with AIDS and assured the students that although the disease is not curable, an HIV/AIDS patient can live a happy and healthy life like others by following certain regimes and supports.
Meanwhile a documentary movie was also screened to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS among the students. The Winners and participants of Poster Competition and Extempore completion were awarded with mementos and certificates by the dignitaries.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Radhika Sharma a student of Sem-V while the formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Yash Paul, HoD History. Refreshments were also distributed among the participants. About 115 students participated in the event.
Besides, the event was graced by the presence of Dr. Shaveta Sharma, Assistant Prof. of Political Science, Tania Akhter, Assistant Prof. of English, Rukhsana Kousar, Assistant Prof. of Education, Tania Mahajan, Assistant Prof. of Zoology, Rajinder Singh, Assistant Professor of Punjabi, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Assistant Prof. of Music, Yash Kumar, Assistant Prof. of Music and large number of students.