STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a significant endeavor to deepen awareness and foster empathy around HIV/AIDS afflicted persons, the Academic Division of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS) on Thursday organized the UT-Level Red Ribbon Quiz Competition here in the Seminar Hall, JKBOSE Rehari Colony.
The event was a testament to the power of knowledge in dispelling stigma and creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
The competition began on 5th October 2024, with school-level rounds engaging over 50 schools from each district, a testament to the event’s wide-reaching impact. Through a series of rigorous stages, the top 10 schools in each district moved on to district-level contests, from which one team per district advanced to divisional-level competitions. These contests, held across Jammu and Kashmir Divisions, culminated in a grand UT-level finale that brought together the top three teams from each division.
The UT Level Red Ribbon Quiz Competition saw Christ School Poonch securing first place and cash prize of Rs. 10,000, followed by BHSS Jawaharnagar Srinagar at second place with cash prize of Rs. 8,000 and Alpha Institute of Research and Training, Doda in third place with cash prize of Rs. 6,000. HSS Shanipura Budgam earned consolation with a cash prize of Rs. 4,000. Each team displayed remarkable preparation and dedication to understand AIDS-related issues.
Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Chairman, JKBOSE, the Chief Guest, in his inaugural address, while emphasising for compassion for those living with the AIDS virus urged the students to exhibit a genuine concern towards its victims. Those unfortunate people need our empathy not mere sympathy. They are integral members of society, worthy of equal respect and acceptance. He expressed his satisfaction over the collaborative effort of JKBOSE and JKACS to work for this important cause. Shri Sudershan Kumar, JKAS, Secretary JKBOSE, underscored the value of such programs, noting that they provide essential exposure and awareness for students and calling for similar initiatives in the future, “Students shall act as beacon of light in spreading awareness in society,” he remarked
The Guest of Honor, Dr. Monica Wali, Medical Officer, I/c IEC, JKACS, emphasized the transformative role of knowledge in eradicating prejudice. “Knowledge is the antidote to stigma, and initiatives like these are invaluable channels for spreading awareness,” she observed.
Dr. Sudhir Singh, Director Academics, in his keynote address, reaffirmed JKBOSE’s commitment to foster educational opportunities with social impact. “This competition is one part of our larger vision to empower young minds with both knowledge and compassion. JKBOSE will continue to organize programs that shape a responsible and aware generation,” he declared.
The UT level event was dignified by the presence of Madan Lal, , Deputy Director Finance, JKACS, Risheesh Khajuria, Assistant Director (IEC), Rajesh Sharma, Assistant Director (Youth Affairs), JKACS and JKBOSE Academic Officers Ashutosh Parashar and Syed Kashif Hashmi. Dr. Yasir Hamid Sirwal, Deputy Director Academics-JD and Sugandh, Academic Officer were quiz masters during the programme.
Earlier the programme started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp followed by a welcome address by Dr. Yasir H. Sirwal, Deputy Director Academics-JD.