Hyderabad, December 02: As the entire world observed World AIDS on Tuesday, India is still battling the disease and trying to increase awareness among the high-risk groups and the general public. The ambitious National AIDS Control Program (NACP) has allotted a total budget of Rs. 11,585 crore in the phase three of its program with 67.2 per cent being used for prevention activities. However the social stigma associated with the disease is still rampant in society.
In order to prevent the discrimination and the social acceptance of the AIDS patients, Big 92.7 FM along with the children from the NGO Desire Society and students of Wesley College and harneedi.com formed a human chain in the form of a red ribbon, the symbol of HIV/AIDS.
Tollywood director Surya Kiran and actress Kalyani along with the RJs of the Big 92.7 were present at the event in support of the initiative. The theme of the initiative was ‘Don’t Discriminate against HIV Infected Kids’ and spreading awareness on the fact that AIDS doesn’t spread by touching an infected individual.
Though the guests advised the youth to follow the mantra of one man-one wife and follow the Indian tradition and sentiments, the students of Wesley Degree College thought otherwise. It was the girls of the college that took the conservative view and while the boys suggested their elders do a reality check.
“The whole concept of monogamy sounds good in speeches but as long as you have protection I don’t think the number of the girl friends should be a problem,” says Mohammad Salman.
Another student Uday adds “We are aware of the disease and know every detail about protection. The adults should do a reality check. The idea of saving one’s virginity for your wife is good, but sometimes it is difficult to control our desires. We believe in safe sex.” However, Shebbas adds, “Pretty soon we will pass out of college and work in the real the world. It is important to be aware and cautious in this transition from boys to men.” But when it came to the girls they gave a more conservative approach.
“Following Indian tradition is good.
Even though protection against HIV infection is available it is always better to follow a monogamous life,” says Shalini Singh.
Incidentally, Andhra Pradesh is the only Indian state, which has HIV prevalence of 1 per cent and all the other states, has less than 1 per cent based on 2008-2009 annual report released by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
Even though there is a difference of opinion among the older and younger generation, both the generations are aware of the common goal as Shravan one of the students says, “These kind of events gives us a platform to discuss issues relating to HIV/AID and address them.”
–Agencies