AIDS awareness spread through music
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Shillong, May 31 2013 :
Using "Music" as a platform to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS especially reaching out to the youths, the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) for the fourth time is all set to present the 'Meghalaya Icon � 2013' � a musical hunt for the brand ambassador for the campaign to combat against the spread of the disease in Meghalaya which is said to be in the 'vulnerable-category' .
This year, the audition for the Meghalaya Icon will be held in seven districts of the state which will commence on June 14, wherein musical bands, solo artists and even folk troupes are expected to compete for the 'title' with cash prize of one lakh rupees.
"The event targets to enlighten the youths of age group from 15 � 29 years besides general public through music on the importance of prevention from HIV/AIDS," MACS Project Director E Khain told reporters at a news conference held here on Friday.
She said, "The MACS has to the extent been successful in creating mass awareness through organizing such event in the past three years" while emphasizing that awareness on prevention is the only way to tackle the disease from further spreading besides medicare and support treatments.
MACS event partner, Andreas War while highlighting more on the event said, "The participating bands and artists will have to a self-compose a song about HIV/AIDS from which the best will be crown with the ambassador title and sign a one year contract with the society for the purpose of creating awareness on the matter" .
He added, "The language for the music will be in Khasi, Jaintia, Garo and English" .
Stating that in the past three years bands from different parts of the state have been competing, War said, "This year a new addition has been made that being the inclusion of not just bands but even solo artists and folk troupes" .
Terming this year's event as special, he said that this year, the event will be held not just in three districts but in seven districts of the state.