National Youth Day Marked with HIV/AIDS Awareness Skit Competition in Patna

On the occasion of National Youth Day, a skit competition and RRC Talk focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness were organized today at Bapu Tower, Patna, under the joint aegis of the Bihar State AIDS Control Society (BSACS) and B.D. College, Patna.

The event was graced by the presence of Shri Sumit Kumar, Project Director, BSACS, and Prof. Ratna Amrit, Principal, B.D. College, Patna.

Addressing the gathering, Project Director Shri Sumit Kumar said that the Bihar State AIDS Control Society is continuously undertaking well-planned and effective initiatives for the prevention, control, and awareness of HIV/AIDS. He emphasized that the participation of youth is extremely important in the fight against HIV, as young people are the strongest link in spreading awareness and positive messages in society. He urged the youth to adopt safe practices, undergo regular HIV testing, and actively work to eliminate misconceptions prevalent in society. He added that effective control of HIV/AIDS is possible only through correct information, positive thinking, and collective efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ratna Amrit, Principal of B.D. College, Patna, stated that the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) is a powerful platform for creating awareness about HIV/AIDS among youth and students. She said that college students can play a significant role in spreading awareness and dispelling myths in society. She appealed to young people to actively associate with the Red Ribbon Club and participate in awareness campaigns, stressing that an HIV/AIDS-free society can be achieved only through positive thinking, sensitivity, and responsible behavior.

During the programme, around 300 participants from 22 educational institutions took part. Participants shared their views on HIV/AIDS awareness. Through skits presented by teams from various institutions, the message was conveyed to the general public that AIDS does not spread through living together, touching, or social contact, but primarily through unsafe sexual practices, use of infected needles, and infected blood. Special emphasis was laid on eliminating social misconceptions related to HIV/AIDS.

The winners of the RRC Talk and skit competitions were selected by the jury members present at the event.

In the RRC Talk competition, Sanjeevani Singh secured first place, followed by Khushi Raj in second place and Muskan in third place.

In the skit competition, the NCC team won first place, A.N. College, Patna secured second place, and the College of Commerce finished third.

The main objective of the event was to encourage youth to adopt responsible behavior, become aware of HIV testing, and work towards building a discrimination-free society. Through the programme, a clear message was delivered that an effective fight against HIV/AIDS is possible only with awareness, understanding, and positive thinking.

On this occasion, Shri Manoj Kumar Sinha, Joint Director (IEC), BSACS; Shri N.K. Gupta, Additional Project Director, BSACS; Shri Ajit Kumar Sinha, Joint Director (Finance), BSACS; Shri Alok Singh, Assistant Director (Youth), BSACS, along with other BSACS officials and staff, were also present.