Gwalior: 4,500 km NCC rally for AIDS awareness

February 1, 2005

NCC rally on AIDS awareness

Gwalior, January 31

AN AMBITIOUS AIDS awareness expedition by an NCC core group, covering

a distance of 4,500 km resumed its onward journey after a brief

sojourn at the WOTA (Women Officers' Training Academy) here. Director

of the Academy, Brig. Deepak Sood flagged off the expedition this

morning for the remaining journey of about 1500 km.

The expedition comprises 14 girl and 13 boy cadets on eight

motorbikes, two Gypsy and two Swaraj Mazda. So far, it has covered

1300 km after starting from Kolkata on 15th December (World AIDS Day).

The expedition will conclude at Kolkata in February. Speaking to HT,

expedition team leader Col. YK Chahar termed it a great success. " We

have not encountered any difficulty or language problem while

interacting with people of different castes, creeds and regions " , he said.

He underscored the importance of educating people about the killer

disease. " AIDS is spreading like fire in India and awareness about it

is the best bet against its spread " , said Chahar.

He urged members of the society to help AIDS victims overcome the

stigma attached to the disease and not let them lead their lives in

isolation. Speaking further Chahar alleged, " The so-called street

brand medical practitioners are amongst the main culprits in spread of

AIDS. This community of untrained medical practitioners operating in

rural areas uses infected needles and thus facilitates AIDS " .

Besides, NCC cadets part of the expedition also helped in relief and

rehabilitation in tsunami-affected regions as timing of the expedition

coincided with the natural catastrophe. " We cover a distance of about

250 to 300 km per day.

Meanwhile we also joined the PM's NCC rally on 27th January in New

Delhi. In course of interaction with PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi, he

complemented us on the noble and inspiring endeavour " , said Chahar.

" We also organise road shows, distribute literature, audio cassettes

etc related to AIDS to villagers during the expedition. After initial

hiccups, the village folk mingled freely with us on the subject " , he

informed further.

Before the official send off, Brig. Deepak Sood suggested

incorporation of AIDS awareness programme in school curricula. Col. P

Patnaik, Col A Khan among other officers were present during the

rally's flag off this morning in the WOTA campus.

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