AIDS victims remembered
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20: As in other parts of the globe, Manipur joined the international community in observing the 24th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day today by lighting up candles in remembrance of all those people who have lost their lives to the incurable AIDS epidemic.

Numerous social organisations observed their Day by organising various functions in different parts of the State.

Offering of floral tributes to those who have died from HIV/AIDS, lighting candles in their memory, rendering of devotional songs of various religious groups and reaffirmation of the commitment to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS marked the commemorative event.

The International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day is being observed on third Sunday of May every year since 1983.The annual event co-ordinated worldwide by the Global Council commemorates the lives lost to AIDS, demonstrates support for people living with HIV/AIDS and mobilises community-based response to HIV/AIDS.

The theme for this year is 'Leading the Way to a world without AIDS'.

At GM Hall here, the event was jointly organised by MNP+, SASO, Care Foundation, Lifeline Foundation, Kripa Society, Manipur State AIDS Control Society and Constella Futures.

The commemorative function started off with young children presenting a song highlighting the joy and sorrow of life they have been experiencing after their parents died from HIV/AIDS and urging all the people to embrace them with love and care.

N People join in the observance of International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day in remembrance of AIDS victims

MLA I Hemochandra and ART in-charge of JN Hospital Dr K Priyokumar were president and chief guest of the function which was also attended by Deputy Director of MACS Dr S Manikanta and North East Programme Co-ordinator of Constella Futures as guests of honour.

In his address, Hemochandra said even if efforts of MLAs in Manipur in providing fund for the people living with HIV/AIDS in their respective Assembly Constituencies is appreciable, it is very limited and confined to their own interest.

What is more important is the collective responsibility of the State Legislators in fighting against the problem of HIV/AIDS.It is also essential to include fund in the State budget for people living with HIV/AIDS.

This would show how far the Govt is committed to fighting HIV/AIDS.

At the conference hall of Hotel Excellency here, the Memorial Day was observed under the joint aegis of People of Positive, Manipur; Counselling and Social Improvement Organisation; Debjani Leima Foundation; Lainingthou Foundation; Moirangkhom Bokulmakhong Oriental Welfare Association; Hands for Peaceful Society (HAPES) and Women Positive Alliance (WPA), Manipur.

A competition for children living with HIV/AIDS, extension of nutritional support and gift presentation to people living with HIV/AIDS were the main programmes of the event.

The 24th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day was also observed at the RIAC Project centre of IWCDC at Chingmeirong Yengkhoiba Bazar.

Along with the reaffirmation of the pledge to lead the way to a world without AIDS, candles were lit in remembrance of the lives lost to AIDS.

Meitei Leimarol Sinnai Sang joined hands with Churches in Senapati District in observing the day at four different places of the district.

At Kuki Christian Church, Kangpokpi, lecturer of Theological College, Imphal Lunmang Khongsai lit candles to inaugurate the observance function during which Pastor Rev J Lunkim said prayer for those who have died or affected with HIV/AIDS.

At Mayangkhang Baptist Church, the memorial programme was held with Pastor Angou Maram conducting prayer service for an AIDS free society.

At Tagaramphung Church, Yaikongpao Pastor Joseph Thangal conducted prayer service and administered oath to the gathering for re-dedicating themselves to the cause of fighting against HIV/AIDS.

At Awang Keithelmanbi, the function was held at Gamnongphai Baptist Church.

A two minutes silence was observed as mark of respect to all those who have died from HIV/AIDS.

You and I Network observed the Day at its Singjamei office along with facilitating an interaction programme for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The commemorative function was also organised by Progressive People's Organisation (PPO) at its Singjamei head office with advocate Duadutta as chief guest, PPO president L Jitenkumar as functional president and social worker Oinam Ibochou as guest of honour.

At Jananeta Irabot Memorial complex, Kakching Bazar, the commemorative function was organised by Youth Adventure for Rural Development (YARD) Organisation.

YARD volunteers lit candles in and around Kakching bazar in memory of the lives lost to HIV/AIDS.

Bishnupur AIDS Committee (BAC), Bishnupur also joined hands with ESEWOSSA and Care Foundation in observing the 24th International AIDS Candle Memorial Day at the district level.

The main function held at Yanggoiningthou Community Hall, Bishnupur Bazar was attended by MLA Govindas Konthoujam, Retd CMO Dr Madhumangol and CMO Bishnupur Dr W Gulapi Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Potter's Clay Healing Mission, Echemma Foundation and Social Reformation Centre also observed the day at Tarung Village, Langol.

At Moreh, the 24th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial Day was observed jointly by Dedicated People's Union, Organisation for Social Development, RUSA, CSD, OSOM, SODO and New Generation at Ima Kongdong Lairembi Haraobung.

Major of 24 AR posted at Moreh Ansul Singh and Officer in-charge of Moreh Police Station W Nongyai Singh were respectively chief guest and president of the function which was also attended by joint secretary of Meetei Moreh Council N Inaocha Meetei, general secretary of Tamil Sangam, Moreh Ravichandran and general secretary of Nupi Khunai Chaokhat Lamjing Lup Yumnam Jotila Devi as guests of honour.

Around 150 people of various communities living in Moreh participated in the event.