VTU organises HIV/AIDS awareness programme under AIDS Suraksha Abhiyan

The NSS Unit of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Centre for UG and PG Studies and Regional Office, Kalaburagi, in collaboration with the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), organised an HIV/AIDS awareness programme on Thursday, as part of the AIDS Suraksha Abhiyan 2026.

Held at its seminar hall, the programme was organised under the leadership of VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar, with the guidance of Registrar Prasad B. Rampure and the support of Regional Director Shubhangi D.C.

The programme began with the watering of saplings, symbolising environmental responsibility, followed by the launch of the Mobilisation for AIDS Suraksha Abhiyan 2026 awareness poster.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Shubhangi appreciated the NSS Unit for organising socially relevant activities and urged students to actively participate in health awareness, disease prevention, community service and social responsibility initiatives.

Earlier, NSS programme coordinator and assistant professor in the Department of MBA, Sanjay Patansheety, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of creating awareness about HIV/AIDS among young people.

The technical sessions were conducted by experts from ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Kalaburagi.

Sahana R., assistant professor in the Department of Community Medicine, spoke on the modes of HIV transmission, preventive measures, common misconceptions, early diagnosis, treatment and the need to eliminate stigma associated with the disease.

Siva Keerthika S., senior resident, and Sugalarani Pallapurmath, ICTC Counsellor, explained the counselling, testing and support services available through Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs).

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers, faculty members, research scholars and undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The event was coordinated by assistant professors Adarsh G. and Saniya Farheen.