World AIDS Day 2007

Indian Development Foundation and Vivek Education Society organized a World AIDS Campaign on December 1, 2007 which happened to be the World AIDS Day at Goregaon West, North Mumbai .

300 Students from class XI onwards formed the major audience who received the vital information on HIV/AIDS.

Though the numbers of HIV cases are coming down in India , still we need to have concern for those affected with this dreaded disease and die out of it. 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 Rev. Sr. Bertilla Capra.

Rev. Sr. Bertilla Capra, Director of Vimala Dermatological Centre and Chief Guest for the programme stressed on faith, love and joy. Youth in this country should know the importance of life and help to build a healthy society, stressed Sr. Bertilla.

Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, President of IDF spoke on scientific information on HIV/AIDS while Mr. Suresh Nair , Principal, Vivek Vidyalaya & Junior College stressed on the statistical details and the rising problem in India. Prof. P. Thangadurai, NSS Co-ordinator, Vivek College of Commerce exhorted the students to come forward and fight against the dreaded disease.

Students who spoke on the occasion were Meenakshi Ganeshan, Shaila Sunder, Akshata Khanolkar , Nikita Mhapsekar and Asif. Every student stressed on massive dissemination of information, education and communication on the subject to stop the spread of the disease. Community participation and love for the children affected with HIV were also some of the points the students touched upon.

A group of 40 students from Podar International School (IB) led by Mrs. Sarala Gavane, CAS Co-ordinator also took active part in the campaign.

Bedrock hall was fully decorated with messages and vital information on HIV/AIDS. Colourful banners, posters, charts and newsclippings gave more impetus to campaign.

Red Ribbons were distributed to all the participating students while pamphlets on HIV/AIDS were exchanged for more knowledge. Students and dignitaries joined in lighting candle 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.