Activists, citizens vow to make city free of HIV

The walking plaza on MG Road resonated with voices of Puneites who pledged to make the city free of the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Vijay Nair, president, NGO Udaan and Founder Member of Maharashtra Network of Positive People (NMP+) was the chief guest at the candle light vigil function held on Sunday. He said that in spite of substantial awareness about HIV/AIDS, there is a lot of discrimination experienced by those affected by it. Nair also called for a concentrated effort at every level of the society to catalyse a shift in this attitude.

Several citizens lit candles and observed a minute's silence in the memory of those who died of AIDS. The event, Light Up Pune, was part of the HIV/AIDS International Candlelight Memorial designed to honour the memory of the departed souls, demonstrate support to those living with the virus and raise awareness while mobilising community involvement in the fight against the epidemic.
The day-long event included poster exhibition and quiz competition on HIV/AIDS at a multiplex in the city. Various events like street plays and so on were also held across the city as the Disha Mobile AIDS Awareness Van made rounds spreading messages on safe sex and use of condoms. Nair called upon the gathering to 'practise safe sex and be healthy' while urging members of the HIV+ Network, to take life positively, and inspire others to do so. Indian Idol Sandeep Acharya also performed during the programme.

The event was arranged by Wake Up Pune, a coalition of 32 city-based NGOs, youth groups and concerned citizens.