Chakapad (Kandhamal), December 1: A comprehensive awareness programme was organised by the Youth Red Cross (YRC) Unit of Kalinga Institute of Gopabandhu Mahavidyalaya (KIGM) Degree College, located in Linepada Gram Panchayat under Chakapad block of Kandhamal district, to mark World AIDS Day on Sunday.
The programme was inaugurated by the Officer-in-Charge Principal, Chamar Nayak. A large number of faculty members, non-teaching staff and students actively participated in the event.
YRC Counsellor Sri Santosh Kumar Tripathy conducted the session and delivered a detailed presentation on HIV/AIDS. He explained the following key points to the students:
- AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact, infected blood transfusion, sharing of needles/syringes, and from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
- HIV does NOT spread through handshakes, hugging, sharing food, mosquito bites, or studying/playing together.
- With regular Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), people living with HIV can lead healthy, normal lives and cannot transmit the virus to others (Undetectable = Untransmittable or U=U).
- 100% prevention is possible through safe sexual practices, use of condoms, safe blood transfusion, and single-use needles.
More than 80 students actively participated in the programme and wore red ribbons as a symbol of solidarity and support for people living with HIV. They also pledged to end stigma and discrimination against those affected by the virus.
Among others, faculty members Smt. Subhashree Digal, Manoj Behera, Ranjit Digal, Odia Lecturer Kunja Bihari Pradhan, along with several non-teaching staff, were present and contributed to the success of the event.
The programme concluded with a collective resolve by all participants to work towards an “AIDS-free Odisha and AIDS-free India”. The college administration described the event as highly successful.