Every year on 1st December, the world comes together to acknowledge World AIDS Day-a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, combating stigma, remembering those we’ve lost, and strengthening our collective resolve toward prevention and care. This year, North Tripura district marked the occasion with great enthusiasm and purpose by organizing two simultaneous Awareness Programmes and Rallies, reinforcing the message that an informed community is the strongest shield against HIV.
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), North Tripura, Dharmanagar, spearheaded one of the awareness programmes at Huplong Village High School. Students, teachers, community members, and local youth actively participated, making the event vibrant and impactful.
The programme was enriched by the presence of Sir Rajarshi Chakraborty, District Secretary, DLSA, who addressed the gathering with an insightful session on the legal rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. He emphasized the role of legal aid services in ensuring dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. His message resonated deeply with the youth, inspiring them to become ambassadors of compassion and awareness.
Adding a scientific and ground-level perspective, Sri Narayan Bhowmik, Project Manager of the HIV/AIDS initiative from Sanghadip TI NGO, explained the modes of transmission, preventive measures, and the importance of early testing. His session helped bust myths and encouraged students to rely on verified information rather than stigma-driven assumptions.
At the same time, another significant event was organized by the Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committee (SDLSC), Dharmanagar, North Tripura, at South Fulbari High School. This programme echoed the same spirit of awareness, empowerment, and collective responsibility.
Health insights were shared by Fariza Begam, MPW of the Fulbari Health Sub Centre, who highlighted the availability of government health services and the importance of regular health check-ups. She encouraged students to communicate openly about health concerns and explained how communities can support vulnerable individuals with empathy and care.
Both events were followed by awareness rallies, where participants marched with placards, slogans, and red ribbons; the global symbol of solidarity with those affected by HIV/AIDS. The rallies drew attention from residents along the routes, helping carry the message of awareness beyond the school campuses and into the wider community.
The programmes were effectively coordinated with the support of dedicated Para Legal Volunteers, Sri Rabin Bhowmik and Sri Sanjib Barua, who played a vital role in mobilizing participants, maintaining coordination, and ensuring smooth execution of both events. Their contribution highlighted the grassroots strength of the legal services framework in North Tripura.
World AIDS Day 2025 in North Tripura was not just a symbolic observance; it was a meaningful community effort to spread accurate information, discourage discrimination, and promote health-seeking behavior. By engaging students, educators, legal authorities, health workers, and civil society organizations, the district demonstrated how multi-sector collaboration can build a healthier, more informed future.
As the red ribbons pinned on participants’ shirts fluttered in the breeze, they served as a reminder: awareness saves lives, compassion builds communities, and together we can end the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Let us continue the conversation, take responsibility, and pledge to stand with those affected; not just today, but every day.
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