When cartoon is no laughing matter : 'Right Ranga' and the right message

[Guest guest]

When cartoon is no laughing matter: 'Right Ranga' and the right

message

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

AIDS has been plaguing various States and cities in the country for

a long time now. Though there are many factors which are identified

for the spread of the disease, an important one is the practice of

unsafe sex.

Understanding the need to spread the message of leading a virtuous

life, AIDS Prevention and Control Society (APACS) has introduced a

cartoon character to serve the purpose.

'Right Ranga Sonna Righta Than Irrukum' is the line uttered by the

new cartoon character introduced by APACS. This has been doing the

rounds in Tamilnadu from 16 September in various mass media leaving

Chennaites clueless as to what the cartoon character was planning to

convey. But on 23 September, people understood that it was a tool to

spread the message of AIDS-related issues.

Some of the people who had been closely watching the cartoon had

their views to share.

Nizammudin, a grocery shop owner, said, 'I first thought that it was

Rajnikanth's cartoon film. But when I heard the message some days

back, I realised it was a part of AIDS project This is a good form

of propaganda as children would love this and the message will be

driven home. '

Manikam, a lorry driver said, ' I saw the toon on television. I

thought since the local body elections are round the corner,

Rajnikanth was telling something related to politics. However, I

think it is a good form of campaigning. Particularly when the

animation sounds and looks like a superstar.'

Satish, a public relations employee, said, 'I thought that it was an

advertisement for a comedy show. But now that I know it is for AIDS,

I think it will bring out the desired results.'

When APAC project director P Krishnamurthy was contacted, he

said, 'this 3D animation was a part of the State-level Communication

Campaign (SLCC) on AIDS. The 'Ranga' character would be used to give

guidance for unmarried youngsters, married people and high risk

behaviour groups. Though a brain child of APACS this cartoon could

be used by other NGOs who are working towards AIDS prevention.

'On 16 September, the character was introduced to the public as a

part of the teaser- campaign. The public was also invited to hazard

a guess about the 'Right Ranga' concept through SMS. And we started

receiving around 18 sms per minute. Now that the animated character

has been instilled in the minds of the people, we will start

spreading the messages relevant to lead a safe life, ' he said.

For one week from 23 September 'Right Ranga' will be advising

youngsters to abstain from sex before marriage etc, from 30

September, messages about being faithful to one's partner would be

given to married people and from 7 October, the cartoon would be

highlighting the benefits of using condoms.

As a part of the SLCC, messages about AIDS is also being planned to

be spread through, exhibitions, street plays, 'Right Ranga Vandi'

(propaganda vehicles). A 'Right Ranga' club is also in the pipeline.

http://newstodaynet.com/25sep/ss3.htm