Keekli Reporter, 28th August, 2017, Shimla
International Youth Day was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm as children and youth were present in full force voicing a very important cause — AIDS AWARENESS. Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur was present on the Ridge, Shimla, to promote this important cause and was warmly greeted by all. The event began with a Red Ribbon Naati by RKMV students, thereafter the Minister flagged off the cycling, skating, and NSS student’s March to spread the message of “Bahubali” – a healthy way of life. Schools participating in the event were GSSS Sanjauli, GSSS Lalpani, Portmore School, Monal Public School, St Edwards, Auckland School for Girls & Boys, MTB Himalaya, and Rotary Shimla.
Project Director Baldev Kumar and members of the AIDS Control Society were also present to mark the occasion. An awareness camp was also organized in Gaiety Exhibition Hall to inform and educate all through a puppet show, a magic show, a games counter and a free blood check-up for HIV test.
The morning further progressed with a special function in the Gaiety Theatre as youth and students performed some very interesting eye-opening skits and dances on the theme of AIDS. The first item was a Saraswati Vandana by RKMV students, followed by HIV Theme Dance & Skit by St Bede’s students. (See Videos)
The day was also important as PLHIVs and IDU’s beneficiaries shared their experiences and advised all to stay away from drugs, IVs and unprotected sexual relationships, which are the main cause of AIDS. Other dance and skit performances by the students were very enlightening, educating as well as entertaining.
The Health Minister also launched the Facebook Page of the AIDS society. In his speech, Thakur said that in Himachal more than 18 lakh people were tested for HIV to make the state safe. Various incentives and programmes had been launched by the health department to create awareness about AIDS and HIV infection. He further added that five ART Centres were functional in Solan, Palampur, Dehra, Nalagarh and Kullu. (See Videos)
