In the picture, people lighting candles to commemorate the event; Irangbui Hingleu, Director, Legacy Explorers delivering speech on the occasion. (Morung Photo)
Jalukie| May 15 : As the worldwide online observance of International AIDS candlelight memorial was held with thousands lighting virtual candles, Peren district of Nagaland also joined the rest of the world by organizing a candlelit programme today, May 15 at Samziuram Baptist Church, Jalukie.
One of the oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world; and coordinated by Global Network of People living with HIV, the dedications and messages posted online with thousands of lit virtual candles exhibit the world’s concern for this inexplicable infection which has literally plagued the globe.
“This virtual Candlelight Memorial serves as a reminder that HIV/AIDS touches every person in every part of the world. We invite you to light a virtual candle for anyone who has been touched by HIV/AIDS”, was the online ‘light a candle’ campaign; and below were virtual candles with apt messages even from Nagas across the globe some of which reads: “Dedicated to all the Nagas living with HIV, some dedicated to all HIV infected and affected people of Peren district Nagaland, some to all those who are living with HIV in the state of Manipur and to those who have died, and some To ALL People Living With HIV/AIDS and Advocates to STOP HIV AIDS.”
Organized by NPDP+ and supported by NSACS, Peren district also commemorated the Day with much significance and implication.
The guest speaker, Irangbui Hingleu, director of Legacy Explorers, in his speech appreciated the church for openly coming out in support of the cause for people infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. “Amidst allegations of neglect and discrimination in States even like Manipur from the HIV positive people which just have hit the headlines today, Nagaland is proud to have the church doors open. I thank the church for accepting the socially discriminated and the rejected, this is the real principle of our Lord Jesus”, he said while appreciating the church for her in-depth understanding of the issue and being a willing host of such programme which once was considered a taboo in our society. The guest speaker also stressed on the need to be conscious of the fact that HIV positive people have the potential and are capable just like anybody; and that nothing but acceptance, love and care by the society is their only yearning.
This year’s Candlelight Memorial is significant being held just three weeks before the United National General Assembly Special Session (Ungass) high level meeting where the international community will discuss their commitments to halting the HIV/Aids epidemic.
Observing under the year’s theme 'Touching Lives', several speakers from Peren district in the occasion spoke from medicinal, religious and social aspects with a view to trimming down the menace.
The event, which is normally marked every third Sunday of May each year, is used by community-based organizations in over 75 countries to remember those who have lost their lives because of HIV/Aids, to support those living with HIV/Aids and affected by its impact and action for greater awareness.
The grand programme of the district was chaired by Lungwangheile, PC, Care DIC NPDP+. Special songs were presented by Igwangdaule and Kewizailungliu.
Other prominent speakers and leaders present in the ceremony were Akhang, president, Zeliangrong Baudi (Nagaland), Shri. Enoch, manager of Micro Finance, Fr. Godfrey, founder of Holistic Healing Centre Jalukie, pastors and elders of the community.
The Candlelight Memorial which started way back in 1983 is the longest running community event around HIV/AIDS and is one of the oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world.
One of the oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world; and coordinated by Global Network of People living with HIV, the dedications and messages posted online with thousands of lit virtual candles exhibit the world’s concern for this inexplicable infection which has literally plagued the globe.
“This virtual Candlelight Memorial serves as a reminder that HIV/AIDS touches every person in every part of the world. We invite you to light a virtual candle for anyone who has been touched by HIV/AIDS”, was the online ‘light a candle’ campaign; and below were virtual candles with apt messages even from Nagas across the globe some of which reads: “Dedicated to all the Nagas living with HIV, some dedicated to all HIV infected and affected people of Peren district Nagaland, some to all those who are living with HIV in the state of Manipur and to those who have died, and some To ALL People Living With HIV/AIDS and Advocates to STOP HIV AIDS.”
Organized by NPDP+ and supported by NSACS, Peren district also commemorated the Day with much significance and implication.
The guest speaker, Irangbui Hingleu, director of Legacy Explorers, in his speech appreciated the church for openly coming out in support of the cause for people infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. “Amidst allegations of neglect and discrimination in States even like Manipur from the HIV positive people which just have hit the headlines today, Nagaland is proud to have the church doors open. I thank the church for accepting the socially discriminated and the rejected, this is the real principle of our Lord Jesus”, he said while appreciating the church for her in-depth understanding of the issue and being a willing host of such programme which once was considered a taboo in our society. The guest speaker also stressed on the need to be conscious of the fact that HIV positive people have the potential and are capable just like anybody; and that nothing but acceptance, love and care by the society is their only yearning.
This year’s Candlelight Memorial is significant being held just three weeks before the United National General Assembly Special Session (Ungass) high level meeting where the international community will discuss their commitments to halting the HIV/Aids epidemic.
Observing under the year’s theme 'Touching Lives', several speakers from Peren district in the occasion spoke from medicinal, religious and social aspects with a view to trimming down the menace.
The event, which is normally marked every third Sunday of May each year, is used by community-based organizations in over 75 countries to remember those who have lost their lives because of HIV/Aids, to support those living with HIV/Aids and affected by its impact and action for greater awareness.
The grand programme of the district was chaired by Lungwangheile, PC, Care DIC NPDP+. Special songs were presented by Igwangdaule and Kewizailungliu.
Other prominent speakers and leaders present in the ceremony were Akhang, president, Zeliangrong Baudi (Nagaland), Shri. Enoch, manager of Micro Finance, Fr. Godfrey, founder of Holistic Healing Centre Jalukie, pastors and elders of the community.
The Candlelight Memorial which started way back in 1983 is the longest running community event around HIV/AIDS and is one of the oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world.
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