Dated: August 12, 2014 …. The International Youth Day was organized by Goa State AIDS Control Society, Panaji in collaboration with NSS unit, St. Xavier’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mapusa and NSS unit, Goa University at St. Xavier’s College Mapusa today.
Minister for Health and Panchayat Shri Laxmikant Parsekar was the chief guest for the function. Other present were Dr. Vandana Patankar, Project Director, Goa State AIDS Control Society, Smt. Ursula Pinto Barreto, Vice Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Shri Pradeep Morajkar, NSS Co-ordinator, Goa University, Shri Umakant Sawant, Dy. Director (IEC), Shri Carmelitto De Souza, NSS Programme Officer, Ms. Ruella D’Souza, Red Ribbon Club Convenor.
A presentation on, ‘International Youth Day 2014’ was delivered by Dr. Narayan Kamat Dalal, Sr. Consultant, Goa SACS.
Smt. Ursula Pinto Barreto, Vice Principal, St. Xavier’s College welcomed the guests.
Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, in his speech highlighted the importance of the day and said that the students are future citizens of the nation. He said stress, frustration, anxiety among other factors results in committing suicide. It is therefore necessary to express our feelings with parents, teachers or share views with others to overcome such mental health problems. He also said students should take interest in others in order to get solutions.
The Minister further appealed to the students to make awareness on dreaded disease HIV/AIDS. He said students should come forward to donate blood voluntarily to save lives of others.
Dr. Vandana Patankar, Project Director, Goa State AIDS Control Society said there should not be stigma and discrimination and no children should be kept in isolation for HIV/AIDS. She also said that people are reluctant to come forward for testing fearing that they might infected with the disease.
Smt. Jeunesse Dittosa Fernamdes, proposed vote of thanks.
