Imphal, December 22: To prove that children living with HIV virus are no different from other normal children and they are also blessed with various inborn talents, a special programme under the theme of' Our Hope, Our Future' was organised by Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP+) at MDU Hall here today.

The programme titled Children Talent Hunt Show, 2006 provided a unique platform to the children affected/infected with HIV/AIDS to showcase their latent talents in various artistic fields like painting, dance, poetry recitation and singing.

In the painting competition, Th Prakriti, A Chaoba and RK Nongpoknganba secured first, second and third position respectively.

In the singing competition, Thajamanbi won the first prize while the second and the third prizes were clinched by Chaoba and Riya respectively.

In the dance competition, Prakriti, Saya and Regina won the first, the second and the third prizes respectively whereas in the poetry recitation competition, Rino, Thajamanbi and Prakriti respectively emerged winners of the first, the second and the third prizes.

The grand prizes of the event was awarded to Bobby and Prakriti.

The programme was attended by president of Manipur Network of Positive People L Deepak Singh Project Director of Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) Kh Pramodkumar and NGO advisor of MACS M Premjit as functional president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, MACS officials and other resource persons said that there are in all 1028 children in the age group of ) to 10 years who have been affected with HIV in Manipur till October this year.

These children should not been discriminated at the educational institutionals where they are studying or while mixing around with other normal children in their schools or in their neighbourhoods because they also have the same talents like any other children.

Instead of discriminating, they should be encourage to expose their hidden talents and contribute their mite in the society , they observed.

Comment