Folk Art to Help Realize the Dream of an AIDS-Free India

A three-day state-level Folk Troupe Workshop was organized under the joint aegis of the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), New Delhi, Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society (RSACS), Jaipur, and the Red Ribbon Club of Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU), Udaipur.

The workshop witnessed the participation of over 100 folk artists skilled in various traditional art forms like Khyal, Puppetry, Street Plays (Nukkad Natak), Jatha Performances, Magic Shows, and Folk Dances. The core objective was to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) using folk arts to communicate effectively with the general public.

The workshop was chaired by Prof. Sunita Mishra, Vice Chancellor of MLSU. In her address, she appreciated the initiative of NACO and RSACS, highlighting that such events significantly raise awareness among rural and remote populations about serious health issues like HIV/AIDS. She emphasized that as the largest educational institution in Southern Rajasthan, MLSU holds strong emotional ties with the community, making such outreach programs essential.

Prof. Mishra further stated that in regional and rural contexts, folk art is a powerful medium. Messages delivered through traditional performances leave a lasting impact. She praised the RSACS initiative of combining public health messaging with folk culture as a commendable step.

With India progressing rapidly and aiming to become a developed nation by 2047, she stressed that every citizen must actively participate. Campaigns like these help build an AIDS-free India by reaching people in their own language, cultural context, and comfort zones.

Dr. P.S. Rajpoot, Coordinator of the Red Ribbon Club at MLSU, shared that this initiative was designed to spread awareness and promote folk arts. Trained folk artists will now visit remote villages to convey awareness messages. The training focused on how to weave health messages about HIV/AIDS into folk performances, dispel myths, and encourage preventive measures.

More than 100 folk artists received focused training during the event. Each art form was infused with relevant HIV/AIDS awareness content, ensuring that the message reaches the masses in a simple and impactful way.

Attendees were also informed about the toll-free helpline 1097, which provides easy access to verified HIV-related information.

Notable participation included Dr. Pradeep Choudhary (Deputy Director, RSACS), Garima Bhati, Lalit Chauhan, Ratan Lal Mali, and many other contributors, making the event a successful milestone in culturally driven public health education.