The Dramatics Club of Government College University Lahore on Wednesday at a seminar staged two dramas “Chaar Saaz” and “Umeed ka Chiragh” to raise awareness about prevention from AIDS and break taboos and myths associated with the disease.
The play “chaar saaz” depicts how our society outcasts someone especially the female who is diagnosed with aids, rather than helping her and being there for her.
The drama “umeed ka chiragh” on the other hand shows how someone with aids, no matter how they get infected, can be treated and helped to lead a normal life.
The plays also busted common myths associated with the disease such as shaking hands leads to the HIV.
Punjab Minister for Higher Education Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun chaired the seminar organized by the GCU Lahore in collaboration with Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi said it’s very unfortunate that it’s still considered a taboo for youth especially girls to talk about their health issues. He said different societies of GCU are especially organizing health awareness seminars and events throughout the year to empower its students, especially female students, with the knowledge about their health issues and techniques to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle.
He said GCU is the first university who has launched an active ‘Drug-Free Campus Drive’ to raise awareness among its students, staff, and faculty. He asked students to work as ambassador and raise awareness in their families about different health related issues.
Minister Raja Yasir Humayun appreciated the powerful drama performance of GCU Dramatics Society, saying that when it comes to reducing the stigma of AIDS and explaining how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted, live theater is more effective than other means of mass media.
The minister said education plays a vital role in reducing this stigma and therefore all educational institutions should hold such awareness not only about AIDS but also other diseases like breast cancer, COVID-19 and Hepatitis.
The minister also announced cash award for the cast of drama “Umeed Ka Chiragh”.
Awareness pamphlets and brochures were also distributed among students to educate them about prevention, symptoms of the disease, early detection methods, and treatment. A camp was set up at GCU for free testing of students and faculty members for HIV/AIDS.
To break the taboos, the Vice Chancellor got himself tested for HIV/AIDS at the free camp.
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