Editor
Gauhati University, Assam, 24 March, 24: To create awareness about HIV/AIDS among the student community of Gauhati University (GU) and its affiliated colleges, the GU NSS Cell, in association with the Assam State AIDS Control Society, organized an Inter College Street Play and Reel Making competition related to HIV/AIDS on the university campus.
The program commenced with Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, former Adviser of Education for the Government of Assam and Chief Guest for the event, highlighting various key points related to HIV/AIDS in society. Prof. Mahanta emphasized the importance of eradicating HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination and urged youth to take proactive measures. He underscored the significance of early detection, stating that individuals living with undiagnosed HIV pose the highest risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Prof. Jayanta Krishna Sarma, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at GU, inaugurated the program and provided insights into the nature of the deadly virus. He stressed the need for promoting awareness-related services and reducing stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Ranjan Kr. Kakati, Director of Students' Welfare at GU, shed light on the progression of HIV infection to AIDS and the devastating impact it can have on the immune system. He emphasized the importance of timely treatment to prevent complications associated with AIDS.
Prof. Jagadish Sarma, Secretary of University Classes at GU, attended the prize distribution ceremony and awarded the prize money and trophies to the winners. Esteemed jury members, including Sangeet Natak Academy Awardee Moinul Haque, NSDian Jyoti Narayan Nath, and National Awardee Kripal Kalita, ensured fair evaluation of the competitions.
The winners of the street play competition were GU Campus Unit (1st Position), B Borooah College (2nd Position), and Dakhin Kamrup College (3rd Position). In the Reel Making competition, Muskan Kumari Singh of Nowgong College secured the 1st position, followed by Doli Choudhury of Gauhati University Campus NSS Unit (2nd position) and Babli Das and Md Inshan Ali of D K College Mirza (3rd position).
Approximately 20 different colleges under Gauhati University participated in the program, making it a collaborative effort to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote proactive health advocacy within the student community.