Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 14: J and K State AIDS Control Society (JKSACS) celebrated International Youth Day 2017 in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club of IGES Institute of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jammu.
On the occasion, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Project Director JKSACS was the chief guest; Mohammad Rafiq, Director Finance, Health and Medical Department and Deepika B Thakur, Deputy Director, IEC, JKSACS were the guests of honour.
The display of impressive Rangoli Contest and Poster Contest was appreciated by the guests who also showed keen interest in the exhibition put up by the students of the institution. The programme started with welcome address by Indira Moza, Principal of the Institute.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather signified the role of youth in bringing peace. He also appreciated the students of IGES Institution in their efforts for HIV/AIDS awareness and drug de-addiction especially through creative and innovative ways like Rangoli and Posters.
Dr Amit Vaid, Chairman IGES Institute appreciated the efforts of JKSACS in involving youth of this College under Red Ribbon Club and motivating them to make efforts for ‘youth building peace’. He assured all help in making efforts for involving youth of this institution on issues related to HIV/AIDS.
An engrossing and thought provoking skit was performed by the students. The different aspects in the skit dealt with motivating youth against drug abuse and the message of HIV/AIDS awareness and the facilities being provided by JKSACS were aesthetically conveyed.
A debate contest on this year’s theme was also held which inspired the youth to fight against drug abuse and HIV/AIDS awareness and for peace building efforts. A colorful Kashmiri folk dance also captivated the audience.
As a token of appreciation mementoes were presented to the Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Mohammad Rafiq and Deepika B Thakur. Dr Yash Pal Karsayal, Assistant Director JKSACS and Dr Sumeera Khan, Programme Officer of JKSACS, as the special guests, were also presented mementoes.
All those who attended the International Youth Day Programme included staff of JKSACS Risheesh Khajuria, Assistant Director, Radhika Sudhan, Assistant Director, Rajesh Sharma, Assistant Director, Nissar Ahmad Dar, Assistant Director, Irfan Bhat, Assistant Director Poonam Gupta, DA, Santosh Devi, DA, Santosh Kumar, DA and staff of IGES including Surinder Gupta, Vice Chairman, IGES, Abhi Gupta, Secretary IGES and Gurbaksh Singh, CEO, IGES.