TESTING TIMES: A skit, depicting the dilemma faced by a person who suspects he has AIDS, organised as part of district-level World AIDS Day function held in Mangalore on Friday. — PHOTO: R. Eswarraj

MANGALORE: Speakers at the World AIDS Day 2006 function organised by Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society, Dakshina Kannada District Aids Control Society and National Service Scheme, Mangalore University, here on Friday advised people, especially youth to refrain from licentious behaviour. Release of booklet, book on AIDS, walkathon for AIDS awareness, skits about AIDS and related aspects were highlights of the day.

Mamata Gatti, president, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, who inaugurated the function said there was need for concerted efforts to create awareness about the disease, especially among the youth. Noting that prevention was the best way to avoid contracting the disease, Ms. Gatti said youngsters should also be inspired to lead a moral life based on Indian cultures and tradition. Personal morals are also important, she said. Even C.V. Raghuveer, dean, Kasturba Medical College, who delivered a lecture on AIDS called on non-governmental organisations and official organisations working for prevention and control of the disease to join hands in their efforts.

Ms. Gatti released a book "AIDS Mahiti Jagruthi" authored by Rathi Devi, eminent gynaecologist. Dr. Devi said World AIDS Day was not an occasion to celebrate, but a time to rededicate efforts to create a society free from this disease. Noting that incidences of AIDS in districts with high literacy such as Dakshina Kannada was shocking, she stressed on the need for including this subject in the curriculum to create more awareness.

Jathas

Earlier, Udayshanker Shet, Lions District 324-D5 Governor, and B. Dayananda, Superintendent of Police, inaugurated AIDS awareness jathas at Tagore Park and Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital premises respectively. The jathas joined at Hampankatte junction and proceeded towards Town Hall, venue of the function.

Students of National Service Scheme and NGOs presented skits on AIDS at the venue.

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