Agartala (Tripura) [India], August 13 (HBTV): On the occasion of International Youth Day, the Tripura State AIDS Control Society organised the state-level Bell of Awareness programme on Tuesday at Pragya Bhavan in Agartala. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, while attending the event, said that parents should pay special attention to their children in the fight against drugs.

He emphasised that Red Ribbon Clubs should be increased in schools and colleges to combat HIV/AIDS, adding that if everyone works together, Tripura can become an HIV-free state.

At the programme, Saha, who is also the Health Minister, said he was pleased that, with the ringing of a bell, about 6,000 students joined the preventive awareness campaign against AIDS. He expressed concern over the spread of HIV in the North Eastern region, noting that Tripura currently ranks fourth among the eight states in the region.

He stated that those who experiment with drugs may initially be aware of the dangers, but this understanding fades once addiction takes hold. He urged parents to be vigilant, as students are often exposed to both positive and negative influences.

‘Parents should keep track of where their children go and what they are doing. Students should strengthen their self-confidence to resist drugs, avoid bad influences, and, if necessary, inform teachers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly spoken about building a drug-free India. In line with this vision, we have adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs to make Tripura and India drug-free,’ he said.

Saha also stressed the need for awareness about the problems arising from drug use. He said the AIDS Control Society is working to raise awareness among about 2,31,000 students from Class 8 to 12 in 1,187 government and government-aided schools, as awareness is essential to prevent AIDS.

He further informed that about 3,433 HIV/AIDS-infected people in Tripura have been provided with a monthly allowance of INR 2,000.

Health Department Secretary Kiran Gitte, Education Department Special Secretary Raval Hemendra Kumar, Education Director N. C. Sharma, NHM Mission Director Saju Wahid A., Health Director Dr. Tapan Majumdar, Family Welfare and Disease Prevention Department In-charge Dr. Nirmal Sarkar, Tripura AIDS Control Society Project Director Dr. Binita Chakma, and other doctors and officials were present as distinguished guests on the occasion.   

(ANI)