Religious leaders in state to join fight against AIDS Read more: Religious lead

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TNN, Feb 19, 2011, .GUWAHATI: A two-day convention, organized by the Art of

Living, a non-profit educational and humanitarian NGO, in collaboration with the

Assam State Aids Control Society (ASACS), began on Saturday where religious

leaders from across the state will participate to spread awareness against

HIV/AIDS.

Swami Divyananda of Art of Living said on Saturday with active participation of

religious leaders, the disease can be thrown out of society. " Initially, we

started our mission in 2008. Since then gradually we have stepped up our

campaign. With participation of all, we will be able to throw away AIDS from

society, " he said.

The Art of Living believes in spreading the message of love and humanity to deal

with people infected with HIV.

" I have met several people who are infected with the virus. They are just human

beings like us. They need love and care from us to lead their lives normally, "

said Richa Chopra who has been involved with various humanitarian activities

across the country.

" We can definitely help people by extending our care for them and encourage them

to lead a normal life. A word of love could be a vital medicine for some

people, " she said, adding that the seminar would help the religious leaders to

experience the idea and spread the message across to people.

Assam health commissioner and secretary Prateek Hajela who was also present

during the inaugural session of the seminar said prevention was the best way to

pluck AIDS out of our world.

" The number of people infected with the virus has crossed 25 lakh in India and

we need to be more conscious to stop its spread further. Besides, we need to be

generous to those who have been infected already. We should not hurt them with

our behaviour, " he said.

Ashish Bhutani GMDA commissioner and secretary stressed on the role of religious

leaders and teachers in the society to prevent spread of AIDS. " People believe

more in religious leaders. If they decide to shoulder the responsibility, I

think they can bring about a change, " said Bhutani.

Religious leaders from various parts of the state actively took part in the

session and exchanged their feelings and experiences.

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