Imphal, December 27 2009: ISTV Network in association with ISWAR organised the prize distribution function of ISTV-World Bank-ISWAR Game Show at JN Dance Academy today.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr Sapam Budhichandra and ISTV Network President Kh Kuleswar graced the occasion as chief guest and president respectively.

Legislators Forum on HIV and AIDS Secretary Dr I Ibohalbi and Chief Secretary DS Poonia were also seated on the dais of the function as guests of honour.

Chingtham Bishwarup of Ghari Makha Leikai won the first prize of Maruti Alto and Adhikarimayum Gyaneshwar Sharma of Brahmapur Aribam Leikai got the second prize of Honda Activa of the popular TV game show.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr S Budhichandra emphasised on the need to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS not only in urban areas but also in rural/interior and hilly areas.

He said, there would be no use of reducing stigma and discrimination slapped on the persons living with HIV/AIDS in urban areas if nothing has been done in rural/interior areas.

The rate of stigma and discrimination would come down pn its own if the whole population of the State is aware of the mode of infection, prevention and treatment of the infection, the Speaker added.

I Ibohalbi while speaking in the function said that there is need of policy amendment and enactment of an effective legislation to fight HIV/AIDS in the State.

Lauding the production team of the game show, the MLA expressed hope that it would spread awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the occasion, DS Poonia urged upon the people of the State to cooperate with Government agencies and different NGOs in fighting the epidemic.

Th Kuleswar in his presidential address opined that the game show had effectively done group counselling on HIV/AIDS.

The game show which kicked off on August 31 last year was sponsored by World Bank and conducted by ISTV Network in association with ISWAR.

Sixty two competitors took part in the competition selected from 463 total applicants.

The game show had 69 episodes including five special episodes for film personalities, shumang leela artistes, mediapersons, persons living with HIV/AIDS, CSO members and Aircel staff.

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