World AIDS Day was observed in Jamshedpur and its neighbouring areas amidst a host of activities today. To make the day a success and take awareness down to the grassroots level, Tata Steel had garnered the support with numerous organizations this year, besides hosting several activities itself.

The day began with all departments of Tata Steel taking the HIV/AIDS pledge. Mr H M Nerurkar, MD, Tata Steel highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Company on HIV awareness and prevention.

Numerous activities were implemented by Corporate Sustainability Services at different pockets in the city and beyond; each activity targeting a particular section of the population. At St Mary’s School and BPM High School, Burmamines, red ribbons were distributed and students were given an insight into the dreaded menace that AIDS brings with itself. A drawing competition, Nukkar Natak and a rally at Kadma-Sonari Link Road turned out to be the stop-stopper as a huge crowd joined in to observe the Day. At transport Nagar, Tata Steel, as part of Project Kavach, spread the message of awareness in collaboration with Inner Wheel Club of Jamshedpur.

A seminar on HIV& Human Rights was organised at Centre for Family Initiatives Resource Centre. Mrs Surekha Nerurkar was the chief guest on the occasion. Dr H K Gardin threw light on the various aspects of HIV/ AIDS through an insightful lecture followed by a discussion. Tata Main Hospital helped to spread the message through its team of doctors at Community Centre, Sonari, where a large crowd from the neighboring area had gathered.

An EIC van featuring video shows alongside nukkar nataks and a host of quiz contests went round in six areas of the city including Bhalubasa, Baridih, Namda, Bagbera, Kitadih and Sonari. AIDS awareness message was also carried to areas like Saraikela-Kharsawan and other areas beyond Jamshedpur. In most of the activities, school children and youth were involved as the need to especially educate this section of society on AIDS was increasingly felt.

The overall response from the citizens was an overwhelming one. When Tata Steel had begun this activity more than fifteen years ago, AIDS was looked down on as a social curse. While that has not been erased completely, it is noteworthy that people today are more than willing to talk about it and be aware.