Folk Art Workshop Organized for AIDS Awareness

Udaipur: A three-day state-level folk troupe workshop was organized at Bappa Rawal Auditorium under the joint aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation, New Delhi, Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society, Jaipur, and the Department of Library and Information Science of Mohanlal Sukhadia University. More than 90 folk artists from across Rajasthan participated in the workshop, representing various art forms including Khyal, puppet shows, street plays, folk singing, folk troupe performances, magic shows, and folk dances.

The primary objective of the workshop was to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections through folk art so that people could be informed about these diseases and their preventive measures in an engaging and culturally connected manner.

The workshop was chaired by Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Madan Singh Rathore. In his address, he appreciated the initiative taken by the National AIDS Control Organisation and Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society, stating that spreading awareness about serious diseases like HIV/AIDS through folk art is highly relevant and impactful. He added that folk art not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan but also serves as a powerful medium to communicate important social messages. He further noted that Sukhadia University, being the largest educational institution in Southern Rajasthan, shares a deep emotional connection with the people of the region, making such initiatives extremely important.

The keynote speaker, Director of Health Services, Rajasthan Government, Dr. S.K. Parmar, said that a large population still resides in rural areas where folk culture continues to play a significant role. Therefore, folk art can become an effective medium for spreading awareness about life-threatening diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Ashok Aditya addressed the participants and stated that messages conveyed through folk arts leave a deep and lasting impact on society. He described the government’s initiative to conduct awareness campaigns through folk art as highly commendable.

During the workshop, it was emphasized that as India moves rapidly towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, every citizen must contribute towards building an HIV/AIDS-free India. Awareness programs that communicate important health messages through local language and culture are essential in educating people and preparing them to face potential health challenges.

Dr. P.S. Rajput, In-charge Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, stated that the workshop was organized to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS and encourage blood donation through folk arts. Artists from different parts of the state participated in the program and, after completing the three-day training, will travel to remote villages to spread awareness among the public.

The artists were trained on how to effectively use their art forms to educate people about HIV/AIDS, remove misconceptions, and encourage preventive awareness. HIV/AIDS-related themes were creatively integrated into all art forms so that the message could easily reach the common people.

On the occasion, participants and attendees were also informed about the 1097 toll-free helpline number, which provides easy access to HIV/AIDS-related information and assistance.

The event was attended by Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society Director Dr. S.K. Parmar, Deputy Director Dr. Pradeep Chaudhary, Assistant Director Garima Bhati, Dr. Seema, Dr. Manu, Lalit Chauhan, Ratan Lal Mali, and several other dignitaries.