�
Jamshedpur, May 18: International Aids Candlelight Memorial was observed by Tata Steel through Tata Main Hospital and CSR Division to show solidarity with People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
Tata Main Hospital along with Network of Positive People, partner NGOs observed the 33rd International Candlelight Memorial on 17th May 2015 from near J. N. Tata�s statue, Jubilee Park. The theme for current year is �Supporting the future�. Ms. Sanjukta Nayak, Member Sankalp Mahila Samity welcomed the Chief Guest Mrs.
Ruchi Narendran, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Dr. G. Ramdas, GM, Medical Services, Tata Steel, Mrs. Sujatha Ramdas, other dignitaries and the participants. Dr. H. K. Gardin, Head Nodal Centre for AIDS shared the significance of the occasion and the various interventions by Tata Steel in the community to cope with the epidemic. Mrs. Sanjukta Nayak gave an overview of HIV/AIDS activities of CSR Division.�
A representative of People Living with HIV/AIDS shared her experiences of being HIV+ and the succor obtained from Nodal Centre for AIDS. Messages on prevention of HIV/AIDS was conveyed through Nukkad Natak.
Mrs. Ruchi Narendran, the Chief Guest, empathized with people living with HIV/AIDS and spoke on the role of the community towards reducing stigma & discrimination against them.
Mrs. Ruchi Narendran marked the solemn occasion by lighting the first candle. Mrs. Sanjukta Nayak requested the participants to light candles.
The Choir Group from Urban Services accompanied the lighting of the candles with the song �Jot se Jot Jalate Chalo�. Approximately 250 participants observed a minute�s silence remembering the deceased with prayers for those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS.
Mrs. Ruchi Narendran flagged off the Rally which went around the road in front of J. N. Tata�s statue and concluded again at the starting point. A Representative from the Positive People�s Network gave the vote of thanks.