An HIV/AIDS awareness programme in Bistupur. File picture

Jamshedpur, Nov. 30: AIDS is disease that claims several lives.

About 2.5 million people are affected with the disease and are living with HIV, AIDS and surviving with the fear of death in India.

According to the 2006 estimate report brought out by National AIDS Control Or-ganisation (Naco), more men are HIV positive than the women.

For every 100 people living with HIV and AIDS, 61 are men and 39 women. The pre-valence is high among the 15-49 age group indicating that AIDS foreshadows those in the prime of their lives.

Therefore, on World AIDS Day which is being celebrated on December 1, the corporate sustainability services division of Tata Steel will organise a host of events.

The company will focus on creating awareness among the most vulnerable people — migrant labourers and truck drivers.

At ADLS High School in Sakchi and Tirildih Hea- lth Centre at Potka block of East Singhbhum, the events would start with prabhat pheri, essay and slogan writing competitions.

Here the proceedings will be organised by Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS).

At Transportnagar near Dimna Chowk a rally will be organised for truck drivers and traffickers under the Kavach Project where auth-orities will distribute condoms and educate people about safe sex.

The events here are not restricted to awareness programmes only, competitions such as — the best maintained truck, arm wrestling and singing — will also be organised.

Various non-governmental organisations of the East Singhbhum district set put up kiosks at Transportnagar to showcase the work done by them and educate the peo- ple about the symptoms, prevention and the causes of the disease.

The events would be inaugurated by Anand Sen, the vice-president, total quality management and flat product of Tata Steel.

Infotainment programmes focusing on the youths will be organised at the archery grounds of JRD Sports Complex and Sumathi Muthuraman, the wife of Tata Steel managing director B. Muthuraman, will grace the occasion as the chief guest.

Tata Steel Family Initiatives Foundation and the Urban Services will organise a human chain, nukkad natak and puppet show on a stretch from Tuiladungri Community Centre to Gharabasa, covering areas like CP School, Adivasi Mohalla, Tahsildar office and Tuiladungri bustee.

Another programme will also be held at RD Bhatta Community Centre, Shastrinagar Hind Club, Kadma police station and Mahabir temple to mark the day.