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DIMAPUR — Various organisations observed International Youth Day on Monday throughout the state. Besides formal events, to mark the occasion, marathons themed ‘Red Run’ were organised in several districts.
Kohima: In the state capital, the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit/District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DAPCU/DISHA) under the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) organised the marathon for Red Ribbon Club members.
Around 60 participants, both male and female, from various colleges and institutes in Kohima took part in the race, which was flagged off by the Chief Medical Officer of Kohima, Dr. Leamnyie Konyak, from TCP Gate at 6 am.
In his address, Dr. Konyak said that the marathon was conducted to raise awareness about the prevention of HIV/AIDS, noting that Nagaland has the second-highest HIV infection rate in the country.
In the male category, Sha S from Kohima College secured first place, followed by Jeet Bahadur of Sazolie College and Martemsu Aier from St. Joseph's College (Autonomous) Jakhama in second and third positions, respectively.
In the female category, Hanthula T from Kros College secured first place, while Z Liyani Ezung from Don Bosco College and Kuluthulu from Oriental College took second and third places, respectively.
It was announced that the winners from both categories will represent Kohima in the state-level marathon race scheduled for September. Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, district AIDS control officer of DAPCU Kohima, presented the prizes to the winners.
Longleng: The marathon in Longleng was flagged off by Dr. Henshet Phom, vice principal of Yingli College, from the public ground in Longleng.
Lithei, the DSRC counsellor, provided a briefing about the marathon and its purpose stating that it aims to educate people and combat the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, according to a press release from the media officer, CMO Longleng.
The winners in the male category were Anglong V Phom (first), Khongshong N Phom (second), and N Phangtok (third). In the female category, the winners were Langmei T Phom (first), C Lingoi Phom (second), and Shengpong M Phom (third).
Wokha: In Wokha, the ‘Red Run’ marathon for members of the Red Ribbon Club (RRC) was organised by DAPCU and the Department of Social Welfare. The event was flagged off by Dr. Zubenthung Kikon, CMO, from Zero Point in Wokha town.
More than 62 RRC members from Witter Theological College, Mt. Tiyi College, and Bailey Baptist College participated in the marathon, which concluded at PWD Colony, according to an update from the CMO office.
The winners in the male category were Renjanpemo Patton (first), Nepuni Mao (second), and Michael Humtsoe (third). In the female category, the winners were Nzanti Lotha (first), Senbeni Ezung (second), and Yanbeni B Kikon (third). Dr. Zubenthung Kikon and Dr. Zumomo Ovung, nodal officer RRC, distributed prizes to the winners.
Mon: The 'Red Run' marathon for RRC members in Mon commenced from Helipad ground to Wangkhao Govt. College (WGC).
The race was flagged off by district sports officer Thepfuradi Zumvu, while Dr. Esther P Konyak, vice principal of WGC Mon, highlighted the significance of International Youth Day, according to an update.
A total of 42 RRC members from WGC, Mon Ville College, and GHSS Mon participated in the marathon. Rongsennungla, nodal officer of RRC, WGC, distributed prizes to the winners. Later, the mobile ICTC conducted voluntary HIV/AIDS testing.
AIDA: The ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) Don Bosco, Dimapur, the implementing partner of SBI Foundation Mumbai under the “SBI Gram Saksham” programme, celebrated International Youth Day at the Students’ Library in Bade village, Chümoukedima.
The event, themed “The positive and adverse aspects of mobile phones and social media in the lives of youth,” recognised the impact of technology as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, according to a press release.
The resource person for the event was Sebi Chacko, placement coordinator for AIDA Don Bosco Job Placement Network and the event saw the participation of 28 youths from Bade and Urra villages, along with their office bearers.
St. Joseph University: The department of Sociology at St. Joseph University celebrated the day on the theme “From click to progress: youth digital pathways for sustainable development” at the university auditorium.
The programme was attended by 212 students and teaching faculty.
Assam Rifles: Assam Rifles celebrated the day with students from Government High School, Aboi, with a total of 90 students attending.
According to an update, the event aimed to build camaraderie and strengthen mutual respect between the youth and the security forces. It also sought to guide students on the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and to promote the role of young people as essential contributors to their communities and the nation.
The students were also briefed on various career opportunities in the armed forces.