Mangalore : Government through Parliamentary Forums, workshops and other information programmes is trying to disseminate information about AIDS prevention through out the country. The students must first gain information and then help the government to sensitize the community to prevent AIDS from further spreading, said honorable Health Minister Sri.U.T.Khadar. He was addressing the students and staff of Besant Institutions at Besant College Auditorium on Monday after inaugurating the ‘Youth Health Counseling Cell’ at the College. The programme was organized by the NSS unit of the College in association with the Red Ribbon Club.

The Kiosk in will function in association with Department of Health. It will address the health problems of the students if any on approach, through cancelling and guidance, he said.

He said, the people suffering from AIDS have diffidence, inferiority complex and face humiliation by people around. They must be treated with care and compassion hence the Primary Health Centers are already providing them detection tests, treatments, medicine, counseling, bus pass and food grains free of cost. Besides this the educated class must help the country to stop the further spread of AIDS. Students’ contribution is also expected in reducing drug abuse and anemia among girls and women, he added.

The NSS students must develop genuine concern for the community around. They must develop a strong personality which is dedicated for service, he opined. Recalling his student days he said, he had come out of his collage not only as a Law graduate but also a ‘Best NSS student’. He said NSS had made him sensitive to people’s difficulties; which in turn is helping him understand his responsibilities as a Health Minister now. Stating that the power and money are not permanent but the satisfaction of being a good citizen is most rewarding; he called for youth to rush forward on the path of service without caring for criticism.

Prof .Pushpalatha, the Principal of the College who was on the stage said, the right information in right time can save the communities’ health. Dr. Manjula K.T former principal and Chief Guest , spoke , Dr.Kishore Kumar, District AIDS Control Office , Kudpi Jagadish Shenoy, President- National Women’s’ Education Society, College Correspondent B. Mohan Nayak, Prof. Meera Edna Cohilo, NSS Officer were the other dignitaries on the dais.