AIDS Orphan Day Observation in Bengal, Bihar, Sikkim and Tripura

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

FXB India Suraksha Eastern Region observed World AIDS Orphan Day on 7th May in 4

states in Eastern region. West Bengal, Bihar, Sikkim and Tripura organised

different events to bring the issues of AIDS Orphan to government and advocate

for their Rights.

Bihar : On the occasion of World AIDS ORPHANS DAY on 7th May 2008, FXB India

Suraksha-Bihar and Bihar State AIDS Control Society, jointly organized AIDS

Awareness Rally. Approx 1000 participant from NSS-Patna University, NCC, Junior

Red Cross-Patliputra High School, NGO Volunteer, Student of different colleges

and school and other dignitaries participated in the rally to mark 7th May as

World AIDS Orphans Day.

The Rally was jointly flaged off by Art, Culture and Youth Minister Smt Renu

Devi and Mayor of Patna. The rally walked through various parts of the town and

terminated at Maurya Complex. Joint Director IEC, BSACS, Army Personnel, NSS

officers & university coordinator, and other distinguished guests participated

in the rally. Governor of Bihar, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, Art,

Culture & youth Minister. Mayor of Patna, BSACS & others have supported the WAOD

cause by giving their Proclamation/ message on WAOD.

Sikkim :On 7th May FXB Sikkim organised a painting competition in a reputed

school in Gangtok on the theme of plight of AIDS orphans with nearly 80

children. This was followed by a Football tournament where students of schools

participated. Nearly 700 people gathered in the ground to see the show.

Tripura : On 6th May FXB Tripura Unit organized an art competition with 150

children in Agartala Rabindra Bhaban. On 7th May a seminar was organised in a

Community Hall in Agartala with 300 population on the theme of AIDS Orphan and

our responsibilities. SACS & Other Govt and NGO representatives and general

population of the city hugely participated in the program. The program was ended

with candle light vigil by children

West Bengal: on 6th May, In Paschim Medinipur district, W.B. where a FXB Village

program is going on - a cycle rally was organised by FXB W.B. team highlighting

AIDS orphan issue involving local youth, CBO, NGOs and others. More than 100

people from the community participated in the rally. This was followed by a

meeting at the Panchayet Hall on the theme of AIDS Orphan and our

responsibilities. Nearly 200 people participated here including Community key

influentials, doctors, local govt officials, NGO/CBO members and many HIV+

families. On 7th May, in Dhapa Dhibi Slum, Kolkata a rally was organised where

local clubs, youth volunteers, NGOs, community leaders marched with WAOD banner

& placards. This was followed by painting competition by the slum children,

cultural events by local children and ended with candlelight vigil by children

of the community. All India radio, Kolkata broadcasted the importance of

observing the day through different channels.

The objective of the rally and mass awareness organised at different states was

to draw attention of Govt and general people on the plight of AIDS orphan and

advocate for their Rights. Towards that end through out the week banners are

displayed in strategic points of the cities, proclamation and messages were

gathered from important advocates in all the four states. State AIDS Control

Society and other govt people actively supported the program. Leading Electronic

and print media acknowledged widely covered the program in all the states.

Manidipa Ghosh

E-MAIL: <manidipa_ghosh@...>