World AIDS Day is not just a global health day, but a symbol of responsibility towards humanity and sensitivity towards society. To raise awareness and prevent the challenging disease of HIV/AIDS, the Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Committee, Health Department, Government of Uttarakhand, organized a grand state-level awareness rally in the capital, Dehradun, on December 1, 2025. Through this rally, an effort was made to convey to every section of society that the most effective way to prevent HIV is through accurate information and timely testing.
This year, NACO, Government of India, established the theme for World AIDS Day, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” which focuses on overcoming the challenges of previous years and strengthening AIDS control efforts. To effectively convey this theme to the community, a massive awareness rally was launched from Gandhi Park, Dehradun. Additional Project Director Dr. Amit Shukla, Deputy Director (Finance) Mahendra Kumar, Dr. from the Indian Red Cross Society and Youth Red Cross Committee, were present. Anil Verma and Joint Director (IEC) Anil Sati jointly flagged off the rally.
The rally began at Gandhi Park, passed through Ghantaghar, Darshanlal Chowk, Doon Chowk, Buddha Chowk, and Parade Ground before concluding at Gandhi Park. Along the route, students, social organizations, volunteers, and citizens spread awareness about HIV/AIDS through slogans, posters, and banners. Participants informed people about safe behavior, the causes of infection, and available treatments, thus educating society about scientific facts.
At the rally’s conclusion, Additional Project Director Dr. Amit Shukla stated that the Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Committee’s primary goal is to ensure access to all HIV/AIDS services to the last person in the state. He explained that the committee operates ART centers, ICTCs, awareness programs, and free testing and treatment facilities across the state, which thousands of people are regularly benefiting from. He also clarified that dispelling myths related to HIV/AIDS, providing scientific information to the public, and preventing social isolation of infected individuals are the current needs of the hour. Dr. Shukla said, “Having HIV does not mean the end of life. Today, medical science has advanced so much that infected individuals can live a normal life with medication. The most important thing is timely testing and adherence to treatment.” Emphasizing the role of youth, he said that disseminating accurate information to them through colleges, universities, and voluntary organizations is crucial, as they are the biggest drivers of change.
A large number of representatives from various government and non-government educational institutions in Dehradun district, including the Bharat Scouts and Guides, nursing colleges, NSS units, vocational colleges, and social organizations, participated in this state-level awareness rally. In addition, officials from various departments, health workers, volunteers, and public representatives also attended.
The rally clearly conveyed the message that HIV/AIDS is not just a health problem, but a matter of social responsibility. All sections of society—the government, voluntary organizations, youth, health services, and the media—must work together to create a sensitive, aware, and supportive environment. The program’s objective was not limited to an awareness rally, but also to strengthen the comprehensive AIDS control campaigns underway in the state. In the coming months, the Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Committee will continue to organize awareness programs, community dialogues, health camps, and counseling activities in various districts.
The state-level rally organized on the occasion of World AIDS Day conveyed the message that Uttarakhand stands firmly against HIV/AIDS. This effort is based on four pillars: awareness, testing, treatment, and support, in which every individual in society can play a role. This rally was not only a successful event, but also a collective resolve that Uttarakhand will continue to move forward towards an HIV-free society.
