HT Correspondent
HOJAI, Dec 1: SOS Children’s Village Hojai observed World AIDS Day across its Family Strengthening (FS) Clusters, including Dhanuhar Basti, Hira Basti, Milik Basti and Hawaipur with a series of awareness-raising activities aimed at educating children and the community about HIV/AIDS, its transmission and preventive measures.
A key feature of the day was a mass rally organised by Bal Panchayat children and community members, who carried placards bearing informative messages and slogans on HIV/AIDS awareness. The event also included a street play by SRISTI, a social action cultural group from Guwahati, highlighting HIV prevention and safe practices.
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The program provided information on essential resources such as Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), Red Ribbon Clinics, free medications, transportation assistance and social security schemes available for people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Attendees were also informed about the toll-free helpline 1097 for guidance and support. An awareness session in collaboration with FRU Hojai featured ICTC Counsellor Nayanmoni Barua as the resource person.
A drawing competition was held to engage children creatively, with winners awarded tokens of recognition to commemorate the day. The event was coordinated by the Animators and Tutors of the FS Clusters, under the supervision of the FS Team of SOS Children’s Village Hojai.
Through these initiatives, SOS Children’s Village Hojai reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the community with knowledge and resources, fostering a safe, informed and supportive environment for children and adults to prevent and manage HIV/AIDS.
Our Nagaon Correspondent adds: Gopinath Deb Goswami Commerce College marked World AIDS Day with an awareness programme and cultural activities on campus. The event, held in the college auditorium was inaugurated by Principal Dr Mriganka Saikia, who highlighted the significance of World AIDS Day and its impact on youth, while advising students on preventive measures.
Counselor Mayuri Barkataki from Nagaon Medical College and Hospital spoke on the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS and emphasised the importance of empathy and support for affected individuals. She urged students to actively spread awareness about the disease in their communities.
The programme saw participation from NCC and NSS volunteers, student union members and faculty. The Red Ribbon Club, coordinated by teacher Bhupesh Tumung, organised a painting competition in connection with the observance, where students displayed their artistic talents. Winners were awarded prizes by the college authorities.
Our Sivasagar Correspondent adds: Bir Lachit Borphukan (BLB) College in association with Nava Udita Samaj, observed World AIDS Day with an awareness meeting for students and faculty.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sugata Shyam of Hiteswar Saikia Civil Hospital explained that the day has been observed globally since 1988 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. He highlighted that the disease can result from unprotected sexual activity, use of infected syringes, blood transfusions and other causes. Dr Shyam reassured attendees that infection is not a death sentence, as modern medicine and preventive measures can help infected individuals live longer, healthier lives.
Farid Islam Hazarika of Nava Udita Samaj spoke on social factors such as early marriage and human trafficking, which can exacerbate the spread of AIDS. Earlier, BLB College Principal Dr Pankajjyoti Hazarika and Dr Simanta Barua also addressed the participants, emphasising the importance of awareness, prevention and responsible behaviour.
Our Jagiroad Correspondent adds: Jagiroad College (Autonomous) observed World AIDS Day with an awareness programme organised by the Red Ribbon Club in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).
The event began with a welcome address by Red Ribbon Club Coordinator Om Prakash Deka, Assistant Professor of Hindi, who highlighted the significance of World AIDS Day and the global need for awareness and solidarity.
Dr Lipika Boruah, Assistant Professor of Education, delivered a detailed talk on HIV/AIDS, covering its meaning, modes of transmission, common myths, preventive measures and the 2025 World AIDS Day theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” She emphasised that collective efforts, accurate information and proactive health practices can reduce stigma and build an informed community.
IQAC Coordinator Dr Chittaranjan Sarkar addressed the audience on the importance of personal hygiene, wellness and self-care, explaining how cleanliness at home in institutions and in the broader community contributes to public health.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Om Prakash Deka, who expressed gratitude to the participants and resource persons and prayed for greater awareness, compassion and sensitisation towards HIV/AIDS.
