The Inaugural Programme of the Red Ribbon Club at St. Joseph Vaz College for the academic year 2024-25 took place on 31st August, 2024. The event’s Guest and Resource Person was Dr. Mahesh Uttam Verlekar, an Ayurvedic Physician at PHC Cortalim. Among the dignitaries present were Rev. Prof. Dr. Simao R. Diniz, Administrator and Chairperson of the RRC at SJVC, and Ms. Angela Serrao, Acting Principal and Vice Chairperson of the RRC at SJVC.

The programme commenced at 12:00 p.m. with a warm welcome extended to the dignitaries, followed by a brief prayer service led by Mr. Iden Baretto. The formal proceedings began with the compere Ms. Anezia Barreto explaining the symbolic significance of the ‘Red Ribbon’ and outlining the Red Ribbon Club’s aims and objectives. The dignitaries were then escorted to the dais, with red ribbons pinned on them as part of the ceremony. A student member of the RRC also presented a potted plant to the resource person as a token of appreciation. On this occasion the administrator also declared the Red Ribbon club as open for this academic year.

Rev. Prof. Simao R. Diniz, the administrator and chairperson of the Red Ribbon Club at St. Joseph Vaz College, delivered a thoughtful address to the audience, discussing the sensitivity of the HIV issue and providing guidance on ways to prevent it.

Dr. Mahesh Uttam Verlekar conducted an informative session on HIV/AIDS awareness through a PowerPoint presentation. He discussed how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, debunked common myths and stigmas, shared statistics on HIV cases in Goa, and outlined preventive measures. The students listened attentively and engaged by asking questions, which Dr. Verlekar addressed thoroughly. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by RRC Convenor, Ms. Aroma Diniz, followed by Ms. Menika Gurav leading the oath. The program ended at 1:30 p.m.