The 165th Red Ribbon Club under Goa State AIDS Control Society, Govt. of Goa was set up and Inaugurated at St. Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim on 07th March 2022.The Guests for the Inaugural programme were Mrs. Jeunesse Fernandes, Assistant Director Youth Affairs & R.R.C. Incharge, and Ms. Diksha Parab, Asst. Director, CST – Goa State AIDS Control Society, Panaji Goa. The resource person for the talk on ‘HIV/AIDS and its Stigma around us’ was Dr. Tejan Lotlikar, Medical Officer in charge, PHC Cortalim. Dr. Dominic, from P.H.C Cortalim also attended the programme.

The programme commenced at 11:00 a.m. with a warm, applauding welcome to the dignitaries and pinning the R.R.C.- SJVC badge, followed by a short prayer service by the student members of the Red Ribbon Club of S.J.V.C. The Formal programme began with escorting the dignitaries to the dais and introducing the guests for the programme. R.R.C Student members presented potted plants to the dignitaries as a mark of their respect, love and appreciation followed by the lighting of the lamp. The Administrator & Chairperson of R.R.C – SJVC, Rev. Professor Simão R. Diniz addressed the gathering. Ms. Sabira Shaikh R.R.C. Student Representative, introduced the delegates and briefed the audience about the objectives and work carried out by the Red Ribbon Club functioning under GSACS.

Considering advancements in technology and the adaptability associated with Youth and technology, the Inauguration of the club was done by Launching the Red Ribbon Club on the St. Joseph Vaz College website (https://stjosephvazcollege.in/red-ribbon-club/ ) at the hands of the Mrs. Jeunesse Fernandes, Assistant Director Youth Affairs & R.R.C. Incharge, and Ms. Diksha Parab, Asst. Director, CST – Goa State AIDS Control Society, Panaji Goa and Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Tejan Lotlikar. Mrs. Jeunesse also addressed the students and enlightened them on being responsible citizens. A session on ‘HIV/AIDS and its stigma around us’ was delivered by Dr. Tejan. All participants then took the R.R.C Oath, led by R.R.C Faculty Member, Dr. Rita N. Jyai. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by R.R.C. Faculty member, Ms. Daizy D’Mello and the programme concluded by 12:30 p.m. by singing the Indian National Anthem. Refreshments were served.