World AIDS Day Seminar at Vallabh Government College Highlights Importance of Health Awareness.
Shimla:
To mark World AIDS Day, the NCC Air Force Wing and Army Wing Units at Vallabh Government College, Mandi, organized a one-day seminar themed “My Health, My Right”. The event was graced by Dr. Ravinder Kumar, the Acting Principal of the college, who served as the chief guest.
In his address, Dr. Kumar emphasized the need to eliminate discrimination and negative attitudes toward individuals living with AIDS. He clarified that AIDS does not spread through casual contact such as touching, sharing food, or drinks, and urged the audience to maintain empathy and respect for those affected.
Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Chaman spoke to the students and NCC cadets about the significance of AIDS awareness in building a healthy and happy society. He informed the attendees that nearly 2.5 million people in India are living with HIV/AIDS, with the majority of cases in the 15-49 age group. He emphasized the importance of spreading awareness to prevent the disease and reduce fear and stigma around it.
Dr. Chaman also highlighted the role of the government and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in the fight against AIDS, providing crucial information on how the disease spreads and how to prevent transmission. He urged everyone to take part in awareness programs, especially in schools and colleges, to ensure informed decision-making among the youth.
Dr. Balbir Singh, Caretaker Officer of the Army Wing, added that young people are at the highest risk of HIV/AIDS and suggested that awareness campaigns targeting this demographic are essential.
During the seminar, cadets from both the NCC Air and Army Wings participated actively, sharing their thoughts on the theme “My Health, My Right.” The event featured a speech competition, where Cadet Muskan Saini took first place, followed by Cadets Esha Bharti and Sejal in second, and Cadets Akanksha Verma, Piyush, and Sanidhya Sharma in third. In the poster-making competition, Cadets Sejal Thakur and Nivedita Saini secured first place, while Cadets Kavita and Rakhi earned second, and Cadets Nitish Kumar and Nobel Thakur shared third.
The seminar was attended by hundreds of cadets and faculty, including Flying Officer Dr. Chaman, Associate NCC Officer of the Himachal Pradesh Air Squadron, and Dr. Balbir Singh.
This event successfully promoted awareness about HIV/AIDS, reinforcing the message of health, empathy, and the right to live free of stigma.
