Telangana team win Red Ribbon Quiz grand finale at Tetso College

DIMAPUR — The Telangana state team, represented by T Devi Sri Prasanna and M Deeksha, emerged victorious in the Red Ribbon quiz competition grand finale held at Lorin Hall, Tetso College, Sovima, Chümoukedima, on Friday, walking away with a prize of INR 1 lakh.

Manipur state, represented by Ahongshangbam Mukesh Singh and Alison Thoudam, secured second place, claiming a cash prize of INR 75,000, while Kerala state, represented by Lekshmi P and Muhsina Shajahan, took third place through a tie-breaker with Uttarakhand, earning INR 50,000.

Uttarakhand, represented by Sanjana Bhandari and Saumya Tiwari, was rewarded with a consolation prize of INR 25,000.

The Red Ribbon quiz competition grand finale was organised by the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) under the aegis of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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The Red Ribbon Quiz engaged students aged 13-17 years from classes 8, 9, and 11 across government-aided and private schools, progressing from school to national-level competition.

The objectives of the quiz were to impart comprehensive knowledge on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs); to provide an interactive platform for youth on health and well-being; to address reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and lifestyle; and to remove myths and social taboos while reducing stigma and discrimination. The initiative aimed to empower youth with accurate information and inspire them to lead a healthy, responsible, and stigma-free life.

Additional Secretary and Director General of NACO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, V Hekali Zhimomi, described the Red Ribbon quiz competition as a celebration of knowledge and compassion rather than just a competition. She emphasised that it showcases the youth of India’s commitment to creating a healthier, more informed, and inclusive nation.

"The youth are not just the future but also the present," she said, acknowledging their role as guiding forces, change-makers, and consciences of their communities, driving efforts to defeat HIV and AIDS.

"Health is not built in hospitals alone,” she said, highlighting the importance of individual contributions and noting that health is built through conversations in classrooms, youth clubs, and families, and by courageously addressing topics often avoided. She added that the fight against HIV is not just about medical treatment but also about changing mindsets. She urged replacing stigma with solidarity, silence with dialogue, and fear with compassion.

She felt that through the quiz, participants were not just answering questions but breaking myths, learning truths, and becoming ambassadors of awareness and compassion.

Zhimomi highlighted NACO’s impactful work with state control societies, targeting young boys and girls through the Adolescence Education Programme. Collaborating with MCRT, they have reached over 68,000 schools, empowering adolescents with skills to cope with peer pressure, build self-esteem, and make informed health choices, she said.

She further acknowledged the efforts of Red Ribbon clubs, with around 14,500 clubs now established across colleges and institutions nationwide. These clubs, she added, have become vibrant hubs where young people lead awareness campaigns, promote voluntary blood donation, and encourage safe and healthy behaviours.

She encouraged the young community to be peer educators and friends who normalise HIV testing and prevention discussions, listening without judgement. Zhimomi praised NSACS for hosting the event and reminded participants of their commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and uplifting others, striving for a society where every life is lived with dignity, inclusion, and hope.

Director of NACO, Bharti Sahai, acknowledged the participants, saying their presence marked a powerful step towards becoming advocates for truth, empathy, and inclusion.

She emphasised that every small effort counts and every conversation started can save a life, highlighting the importance of mindset, equality, and equity. Sahai urged participants to carry the message forward, noting that awareness is the first step towards prevention and compassion is the first step towards healing.

NSACS Project Director Dr. Ahu Sekhose called the Red Ribbon quiz competition a celebration of knowledge and awareness. He stressed that every conversation and awareness effort brings society closer to being healthy and urged everyone to practise inclusion in their awareness efforts.