Vedanta Limited, Jharsuguda observed the World AIDS Day, 2017 on the 1 st December 2017 with a new theme �My Health My Rights� anchored by CSR Department along with partner NGO SARC. More than 2000 people participated in the event including Vedanta employees, truck drivers, Students from 15 nearby schools and the general public.
The event involved a range of interactive activities like red ribbon distribution, awareness session with truck drivers, student rally, awareness session with children etc. However, the event was�flagged off with wearing Red Ribbon which is a symbol of solidarity and support towards the�people living with HIV.�An awareness session was organized at Vedanta Truck driver recreation centre for the truck�drivers who are considered as more vulnerable to HIV infection. More than 100 truck drivers�participated in this interactive session. A session with emphasis on HIV transmission, staging,�stigma, prevention, treatment and individual role in the reduction of stigma and discrimination was�held. Addressing the gathering of truck drivers Mr Sundar Raj �CSR Head asserted that �No one�can lead our lives for us. We are responsible for our own action and we are the best to care own�life. So we need very much care where safe sex is concern�. He urged the gathering to�adopt safe sex measures.
Post the session with Truck drivers another program was organized at Sarbahal High school
where more than 90 children participated from 15 nearby schools. A rally for raising
awareness of HIV AIDS was organized where students carried placards with the slogan on HIV /AIDSlike �Hate the disease but not the diseased�, �Satark rahe Suraksit rahe� etc. Dr. Radharaman Birtia (District Tuberculosis officer, District hospital, Jharsuguda) took an interactive session on HIV/AIDS. He urged the students to play an important role in their surroundings. The event culminated with prize distribution to the winners of the debate and essay writing competition.
