AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Patna. Bihar

[Guest guest]

Dear all : Greetings

The History of the Event

The original International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held in

1983, when the cause of AIDS was unknown and no more than a few

thousand AIDS deaths had been recorded. The organizers wished to

honor the memory of those lost to AIDS and to demonstrate

support for those living with AIDS. That remains the focus of

the event today.

Since 1983 the pandemic has claimed more than 16 million lives,

with about 34 million now living with HIV and AIDS. As AIDS

continues to ravage communities around the world, the

Candlelight has become a way for communities to take action by

publicly mourning loved ones lost to AIDS, and by strengthening

local and national commitments to fighting the pandemic. In

small communities, it can help to increase awareness,

understanding, volunteerism, and fundraising. In large cities,

it brings together a diverse spectrum of people who care about

AIDS. In all cases, the event creates a sense of global

solidarity, and generates worldwide media attention.

Programme

The timings are as follows: 5:30 PM - Sunday 19th May- Gandhi Maidan

Welcome dance by Aman & Raj

5:35 PM : Introduction to AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL

5:38 PM : 1st reading

5:40 PM : Second Reading

5:42 PM : Song [Mobile Theatre]

5:47 PM : Third Reading in Hindi by Naren

5:50 PM : Aditya Bandhopadhya, Lawers Collective, Delhi speaks on HIV rights

issues

6:00 PM : Matter of the heart- dance by AASRA

6:05 PM : Fourth Reading

6:07 PM : Fifth reading

6:10 PM: Item by All India Anglo Indian Association

6:20 PM : Dance on 'Bondage' by Integration, Calcutta

6:40 PM : Sitar recital

6:55 PM : Lighting the candles

7:00 PM : Candlelight walk

7:10 PM : Reading of the Names, prayer

7:15 PM : Vote of Thanks

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