Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 03 December 2025
The Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) noticed World AIDS Day 2025 with a large-scale consciousness rally on 1st December 2025, at Sri Vijaya Puram, highlighting the significance of compassion, consciousness, and collective duty within the battle in opposition to HIV & AIDS. The occasion noticed enthusiastic participation from over 600 college students representing 20 faculties and 10 schools throughout the Islands.
Ms. Richa, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, graced the programme because the chief visitor and flagged off the rally from Netaji Stadium. Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, attended because the visitor of honour. The occasion was organised underneath the steering of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director, ANACS.
Earlier within the day, individuals registered and obtained T-shirts, caps, and placards displaying consciousness slogans. A symbolic formation depicting a purple ribbon and “HIV” was created by the scholars, demonstrating solidarity with folks residing with HIV and reinforcing the worldwide message of inclusion and empathy.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary (Health) Ms. Richa careworn the necessity to eradicate stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV.
“HIV & AIDS is not a crime. It is not a curse. It is a medical condition that can be managed with timely testing, proper treatment, and support. We must work collectively to eliminate myths and misconceptions,” she stated.
World AIDS Day, first noticed in 1988, serves as a platform to acknowledge progress in prevention and therapy whereas advocating equal rights and dignity for these affected. This yr’s theme — “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” — reinforces the urgency of accelerating efforts to finish AIDS as a public well being menace by 2030.
The rally proceeded from Netaji Stadium overlaying Clock Tower, Model School, and Bengali Club, earlier than culminating on the National Memorial Cellular Jail.
The occasion concluded with renewed dedication from individuals and officers to proceed advocating consciousness, early testing, and assist for people residing with HIV & AIDS.
