By: Peerzada Sayeed
Karnah : In pursuant to the notification issued by the Office of the Directorate of Colleges, Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir (vide No: DC-HE/K/2024/2124, dated 26/11/2024), Red Ribbon Club, Government Degree College, Tangdhar, celebrated “World AIDS Day 2024” on Monday, December 02, 2024, under the theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right.” On this occasion, the college organized the following events to honor the day:
Debate Competition
Poster-Making Competition
Pledge Ceremony
The college observed the day under the patronage of Prof. Mushtaq Ahmed Wani, Principal, GDC, Tangdhar.
The event aimed to raise awareness about AIDS and the medical and social issues associated with the disease, promote positive and healthy mental attitudes in this regard, and motivate youth communities to contribute towards creating an AIDS-free society.
The celebrations of the day began with a welcome address delivered by Prof. Sadaf Rouf, Convenor, Debates and Seminar Committee, GDC Tangdhar. In her address, she also provided an introduction to AIDS Day and emphasized its significance in the history of mankind.
The celebrations of the day was inaugurated by Prof. Mushtaq Ahmed Wani, Principal, Govt. Degree college Tangdhar. On the occasion, he highlighted the importance of AIDS Day and stated that celebrating this day holds a significant value. He emphasized the need to control such diseases and stressed that we all must play our part in this regard. In his address, the Principal also paid tribute to all social, academic, and scientific institutions that have contributed in raising public awareness about controlling such diseases and the issues associated with them.
The Principal also emphasized the crucial role of educational institutions and teachers in raising public awareness about such diseases and issues, as well as in fostering a healthy society. He stated that teachers and academic institutions are in a unique position to provide more impactful services in this regard compared to other institutions and individuals. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the fabric of the nation, and they bear the responsibility of helping students understand their roles in both the public and social spheres. In the end, he urged that it is essential for us to understand our individual responsibilities in maintaining a healthy society.
On the occasion, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Lone, Lecturer, Department of Zoology, GDC, Tangdhar delivered an extension lecture. He explained the causes and consequences of HIV/AIDS and discussed various perspectives on its prevention. He made students aware of the long-term effects of the disease and urged them to make healthy choices that would help them stay fit, happy, energetic, and at a reduced risk of diseases.
In the debate competition, numerous students spoke about the significance of the day and shared their insights on various aspects of HIV/AIDS. The debate competition was chaired by Prof. Abdul Basit Reshi. The celebrations of the day concluded with a pledge-taking ceremony.
