Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 03 December 2025
The Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) observed World AIDS Day 2025 with a large-scale awareness rally on 1st December 2025, at Sri Vijaya Puram, highlighting the importance of compassion, awareness, and collective responsibility in the fight against HIV & AIDS. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 600 students representing 20 schools and 10 colleges across the Islands.
Ms. Richa, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, graced the programme as the chief guest and flagged off the rally from Netaji Stadium. Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, attended as the guest of honour. The event was organised under the guidance of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director, ANACS.
Earlier in the day, participants registered and received T-shirts, caps, and placards displaying awareness slogans. A symbolic formation depicting a red ribbon and “HIV” was created by the students, demonstrating solidarity with people living with HIV and reinforcing the global message of inclusion and empathy.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary (Health) Ms. Richa stressed the need 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 said.
World AIDS Day, first observed in 1988, serves as a platform to acknowledge progress in prevention and treatment while advocating equal rights and dignity for those affected. This year’s theme — “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” — reinforces the urgency of accelerating efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The rally proceeded from Netaji Stadium covering Clock Tower, Model School, and Bengali Club, before culminating at the National Memorial Cellular Jail.
The event concluded with renewed commitment from participants and officials to continue advocating awareness, early testing, and support for individuals living with HIV & AIDS.
