World AIDS week Activites in Punjab

[Guest guest]

(WORLD AIDS WEEK DEC. 01-07, 2001)

The first AIDS DAY of 21st century is unique in the sense, that the AIDS

Awareness has now moved from highlighting the problem symbolizing a monster,

BAKASURA, NAKASURA or Dinosaur, to care as the theme of WORLD AIDS DAY 2001

is

' I Care... Do You? "

To commemorate World AIDS Day, Peoples Health Organisation, Punjab organised

a rally of cars , scooters and pedestrians involving medical teachers,

students and staff of Govt. Medical College, DAV College for Women, Hindu

Sabha School and Hindu College.

The rally was flagged off from the Medical College by Sh. BR Banga,

Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Amritsar and Chief Patron of P.H.O

Punjab. He was accompanied by Dr. OP Mahajan, Principal Medical College, Dr.

AS Sandhu, Civil Surgeon, Dr. Renu Goel, Corporator and Patron, P.H.O,

Punjab, Dr. SP Dewan, President, P.H.O, Punjab and Dr. Ashok Goel,

Secretary General, P.H.O. Punjab. Another scooter rally was flagged off from

Hindu College by Principal Mr. RC Verma. A rally was flagged off by Sh.

Dharamvir Dhawan, Principal , Hindu Sabha School at 10.00 a.m today.

The 3 rallies reached the BBK DAV College for women where Principal Mrs.

J.Kackaria received the rallyists.

Addressing the rally, Sh. BR Banga, Chief Patron said the AIDS AWARENESS DAY

creates awareness amongst the masses throughout the world. This awareness

must reach the grass root level especially amongst the slums, rural areas

and ignorant and illiterate poor of this district, state and country. He

appealed to the students to prepare " NUKKAR NATAKS " , PLAYS AND SKITS

relevant to Punjabi culture so that the message regarding HIV AND AIDS can

be clearly given. He appealed to all sections of society in Amritsar to

attend " LAMP LIGHTING " under " RED RIBBON " , an International symbol of " I

CARE FOR HIV/ AIDS " at Nehru Complex, Lawrence road Amritsar on 5th Dec.

2001 from 6 pm onwards. Individuals are requested to come and light a candle

to show their concern and care for victims of HIV/AIDS.

Dr. OP Mahajan, Principal said that HIV/ AIDS is the largest public health

problem and without the active involvement of society as a whole , nothing

tangible can be achieved.

Dr. Ashok Goel and Dr. SP Dewan presented 200 complimentary copies of a book

in Punjabi on HIV AND AIDS written by Dr. Ashok Goel and Dr. SS Deepti to

Principal Mrs. J .Kackaria for staff and students .

Patron of Punjab , PHO Dr. Renu Goel said that the Red Ribbon is an

International Symbol of AIDS Awareness , a symbol of respect for those who

have died of AIDS of concern for those living with it , and reminder to us

of the constant need to keep up the fight against AIDS. It is also a Symbol

of how great achievements begin with small action . Red Ribbon was given to

every rallyist by PHO. The rallyists were carrying placards of the theme of

WORLD AIDS DAY i.e. " I Care.Do You? " The red ribbon came into being in 1992

as the idea of small HIV charity in New York. It is a symbol of AIDS

Awareness and people who wear it show their support through speaking up and

taking action on HIV AND AIDS.

The girls of D.A.V College performed a skit on the theme of AIDS prevention.

Dr. SP Dewan while addressing the rally appealed to the people to discuss

HIV/ AIDS prevention with their friends and family members to create

awareness. He further asked students to lead a pure marital life with single

life partner or use condom for safety.

Secretary General PHO Punjab Dr. Ashok Goel demanded to create a new

MINISTRY OF AIDS to save India from devastation as faced by Africa and

western countries. He urged Govt. of Punjab to abolish sales tax on drugs ,

kits and equipment concerned with care of victims of HIV AND AIDS. Mrs. J.

Kackaria , Dr. SK Malhotra, Dr. ML Gambhir and a student Miss Sakshi Parmar

also spoke on Aids .

Dr. Ashok Goel

E-mail: <drashokgoel1@...>

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