On 2nd Dec 2006, as a part of AIDS awareness week, our club had organized an AIDS awareness programme at Vysarpadi, Chennai. The programme was organized with the help of SIGA Animation Centre and our own RCC at Vyasarpadi. The programme started at 10.00 am with a rally of about 100 children from SIGA Animation Children to the meeting venue about 500 meters away. The children distributed leaflets, carried pluck-cards with AIDS awareness message. As it was a main road with heavy traffic, the rally and the AIDS Awareness message got good attention of many public. The meeting was organized at a strategic place where many people living nearby could attend.
The meeting started with the address by President.A.V.Srinivasan, who spoke on the importance of AIDS awareness in the present context. The member of Local Legislative Council also took part and gave talk.
An interesting skit was prepared and presented by the Rotaractors from ICFAI National College. The skit was well received by the members of public. The highlight of the programme was the talk by two HIV affected persons. Mr.Sekar, an AIDS victim gave a detailed account of how he got the disease. His speech was highly effective and moved every one around. He emphasized on preventive practices and care to avoid spreading the dreaded disease.
Another victim Dyana, a transgender person with HIV infection gave an excellent talk, getting the fullest attention of the crowd. She emphasized on the positive frame of mind required to carry on with life once infected and she appealed every one to treat the HIV affected persons with care and concern.
Dr.R.Venkatakrishnan, Dist Co-chairman for HIV Awareness programme was the chief guest for the function. Dr. Venkatakrishnan gave an excellent talk quoting the alarming statistics about the disease in our State. The programme was very effective from the perspective of the general public who had gathered. It was a great attempt, and our humble contribution towards the Herculean task of eradicating AIDS.
