International Youth Day Celebrated at Khariar Degree Women’s College: Youth Awareness Campaign Launched to Promote an AIDS-Free India by 2030

Khariar, August 12: International Youth Day was observed with enthusiasm at Khariar Degree Women’s College in Nuapada district. On the occasion, a special youth awareness campaign was organised by the SAI organisation, focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and the call to make India an AIDS-free nation by 2030. As part of the programme, an awareness rally was organised from the college campus. College Managing Committee Chairman Binod Bihari Padhi flagged off the rally. Students and participants carried awareness messages and appealed to young people to remain informed, responsible and alert about HIV/AIDS. The SAI organisation also announced a special two-month Youth Campaign across Nuapada district to create awareness among young people and encourage them to know their HIV status. The campaign commenced on August 12, International Youth Day, and is scheduled to continue until October 12. A meeting was also organised on the occasion. Social worker Jitendra Nath Pattnaik attended the programme, while College Principal Liza Acharya presided over the meeting. Speakers emphasised the importance of reaching out to young people at the grassroots level and creating awareness among students of schools and colleges. Addressing the gathering, the organisers appealed to the youth to stay away from HIV/AIDS and contribute actively towards building a healthy, prosperous and developed India. They stressed that awareness, responsible behaviour and timely knowledge about HIV status can play an important role in preventing the spread of HIV. Among others, Barun Baghar, volunteer of Khariar ICTC District; Parameswar Bishi of SAI organisation; and Pushpanjali Pradhani, National Service Scheme (NSS) Officer, were present at the programme. A large number of college lecturers, staff members and students participated in the event and extended their support to the youth awareness initiative. The programme concluded with a collective appeal to the youth to become ambassadors of awareness and contribute towards the goal of an AIDS-free India by 2030.