‘Kadam Bhadhaao – A step towards change’ with this theme; to mark the significance of today’s youth in the development of nation, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in collaboration with Goa State AIDS Control Safety (GSACS), had organized International Youth Day on 19th August 2015, at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium, at Talegao-Goa. Students of FY and SY BBA from Goa Multi Faculty College were fortunate enough to participate in this exceptional event along with Assistant Professor Ms. Dhanashree Naik Dessai. From all over Goa, around 6,000 to 7,000 participant from different colleges, higher secondaries, high schools, NGO’s etc had participated in this event. The event began with a very pleasant orchestra, where famous national integration songs were sung, followed by some marvelous dance performances to portray culture of India.
Students were grateful to be addressed and empowered by Union Minister of State for AYUSH Mr. Shirpad Naik who was Chief Guest on this juncture whereas Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar was the Guest of Honor. Along with them Health Minister Francis D’Souza, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Ramesh Tawadkar, St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh also attended the event.
While addressing the youths, Mr. Naik pointed out that Goa being a prime tourist destination is facing a major challenge of keeping HIV at bay, hence he urged the youths to support government’s endeavor to spread awareness about HIV and make the state AIDS-free. Technical session on topic ‘Drugs and HIV/AIDS’ had organized during the event. The participants were given white T-shirts and a red ribbon to convey conscience about AIDS.
Chief Minister denoted the students as the future citizen of the nation. He urged them to pledge their support to those affected with HIV in the state. Health minister appealed all participants to make awareness on HIV/AIDS and seek their support to accomplish zero HIV cases in the state.
Program ended with launch of a new mobile application on HIV/AIDS titled ‘HELP’ (HIV Education and Link to Prevention’ by Minister of Health in collaboration with AIDS Health Centre Foundation, Department of Telecommunication and NACO.