Indian Development Foundation and Vivek Education Society jointly organized  World AIDS Day programme on December 1, 2009 at Vivek College of Commerce, Goregaon West in North Mumbai.

About 300 students from various schools and colleges in Mumbai took active part in the awareness programme and received vital information on HIV/AIDS.

"Though the numbers of HIV cases are coming down in India, we need to show some concern for those already affected with this dreadful disease and who die out of it. We can STOP HIV/ AIDS only through proper awareness and education. World AIDS Day gives us an opportunity to take part in the massive campaign and spread the message", said Mrs. Sangeeta Srivastava Principal,  Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vividlakshi Vidyalaya and Chief Guest for the programme.

Mrs. Rekha Bajaj, Educomp Solutions Ltd and the Guest of Honour for the programme stressed on faith, love and joy. "Youth in this country should know the importance of life and help to build a healthy society", she said.

Dr. A.R.K. Pillai, President of Indian Development Foundation interacted with the students and said, good nutrition and medical care can increase bodily strength and delay the onset as well as the frequency of opportunistic infections.

Mr. Suresh Nair, Principal, Vivek Vidyalaya & Junior College stressed on the statistical details and the rising problem in India. He said early detection is crucial which helps quick medical support and thereby increasing the lifespan of the patient.   Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, National Co-ordinator, IDF exhorted the students to come forward and fight against the dreaded disease.

The speeches and slogans of students stressed on massive health awareness and education to stop the spread of the disease. Aparna Panicker who bagged the first prize stressed on community participation and love for the children affected with HIV.  The skit on "Aao Isse Dafnaaye Saathiyon" by Gokuldham High School students stole the show.

Dr. Nandita Roy, Principal, Vivek College of Commerce said young students are all set to lead a national campaign on HIV/AIDS to stop the menace caused by the disease.

Bedrock hall was fully decorated with messages and vital information on HIV/AIDS. Colourful banners, posters, charts and news clippings gave more impetus to programme.

Students from Bharati Vidyapeeth University & Dental College, Gokuldham High School, N. M. College of Commerce, S.V.K.M. Law College, Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, T.P. Bhatia College, Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Commerce and Management, Vivek College of Commerce, Vivek Vidyalaya & Jr. College and Yashodham High School actively participated.

Red Ribbons were distributed to all the students while pamphlets on HIV/AIDS were exchanged for more knowledge. Students and dignitaries joined in lighting candle to mark the World AIDS Day and pledging to fight against the disease.

Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise was the slogan raised by the students as they lighted the candles.  People need to respect and protect themselves to stop AIDS, the students believed.