World AIDS Day 2025 was observed across Sri Vijaya Puram with large-scale awareness activities led by health and legal institutions, bringing students to the forefront of campaigns against stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV and AIDS. The observances aimed to reinforce public understanding of prevention, treatment, rights, and social inclusion while aligning local outreach with global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat.
A major highlight of the day was an awareness rally organised by the Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society, which witnessed the participation of more than 600 students drawn from 20 schools and 10 colleges. The rally was flagged off from Netaji Stadium and moved through key locations including Clock Tower, Model School and Bengali Club before concluding at the National Memorial Cellular Jail. Students carrying placards and wearing themed attire conveyed messages on awareness, prevention and solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS.
As part of the event, participants formed a symbolic red ribbon on the ground, visually reinforcing the message of collective responsibility and support. The rally formed part of a broader strategy to engage young people as active stakeholders in public health messaging, recognising their role in shaping attitudes within families and communities. Registration activities and distribution of awareness material preceded the rally, setting the tone for the day’s engagement.
The observance also focused on addressing stigma and misconceptions associated with HIV and AIDS, emphasising the importance of viewing the condition through a medical and rights-based lens. The global theme for World AIDS Day 2025, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” framed the local initiatives, underlining the need to strengthen systems, expand access to services and sustain momentum toward the 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Parallel to the health-led outreach, a legal awareness programme was organised at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya by the Andaman and Nicobar State Legal Services Authority in association with the District Legal Services Authority. The programme focused on educating college students about the legal and social dimensions of HIV and AIDS, complementing medical awareness with an understanding of rights and protections.
Judicial officers addressed students on issues including modes of transmission, preventive measures, and the importance of timely testing and treatment, while also highlighting the legal safeguards available to people living with HIV and AIDS. The sessions covered topics such as protection against discrimination, access to legal aid, and entitlements under existing laws and welfare schemes. Emphasis was placed on correcting scientific misconceptions and encouraging empathy-driven responses within society.
An interactive session formed a key component of the legal awareness programme, with students actively engaging in discussions and raising questions related to stigma, disclosure, and institutional support mechanisms. Organisers indicated that such dialogue-based formats were critical in ensuring that awareness translated into informed attitudes rather than remaining purely informational.
Together, the rally and the legal awareness programme reflected a coordinated, multi-departmental approach to World AIDS Day observances in the islands. By combining public outreach with educational engagement in academic institutions, authorities sought to address both social perceptions and legal understanding related to HIV and AIDS.
Officials associated with the programmes stressed that sustained awareness, particularly among youth, remains central to prevention efforts and the elimination of discrimination. The day’s events underscored the continuing need for collective engagement by health agencies, legal institutions and educational establishments in building an informed and inclusive society.
