Spread the Words, Not the Virus: CNI’s cultural programme spreads awareness on HIV/AIDS

New Delhi – Myths and misconceptions relating to HIV/AIDS in the society, its sign and symptoms and methods of prevention were projected through the programme, 'Pukaar Hamaari Aawaaz', an educational cultural programme organised by The Synodical Board of Health Services, The Church of North India's HIV/AIDS Wing on November 24, 2005 in FICCI Auditorium, New Delhi.

The programme was organised under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Kishan, Chief Functionary and Secretary, The Synodical Board of Health Services (CNI–SBHS). The Chief Guest for this programme was Mr. Sanjay Suri and the Guest of Honour was Mr. Ankur Nayyar. The Most Rev. Joel V. Mal, Moderator, CNI, Rev. Dr. Enos Das Pradhan, General Secretary, CNI, Mrs. Karuna Roy, Co–ordinator HIV/AIDS programme along with other CNI staff were present.

In this educational–cultural programme various schools from Delhi participated. The programme began with a tableau prepared by Synod in collaboration with Population Foundation and followed by a prayer song, 'Tu hai aasma pe', by the students of K. R. Mangalum, Vikaspuri, Delhi. Ryan International School presented a qawwali. Girls of Queens Mary's School presented a laudable skit imparting information about AIDS from the grassroot level. A skit based on a true incident of a little girl affected by AIDS was also presented by the staff of the CNI Synod, touching the hearts of many people.

The CNI–SBHS has been functional since 1974 and the HIV/AIDS programme, whose objective was to spread awareness, was endorsed in 1995. Within these ten years the AIDS Wing has been working with students through seminars, workshops and performing arts making spreading awareness of the dreaded disease all over the nation. Apart from this The CNI–SBHS is also working among the other segments of the society.