Mangaluru: Programme on HIV/AIDS awareness was organised by the PG Department of Studies and Research in Social Work at Mangalore University on 17.12.2021. The aim of the programme was to sensitise students to the issues and concerns faced by female sex workers, LGBT, transgender and transsexuals.
The guest for the program was Harish A ,project manager at Hindu Kusht Nivaran Sangh. Speaking during the occasion he mentioned about the Societies negative image of female sex workers, LGBT, transgenders and transsexuals, is a reflection on our long held opposition to the morality involved in the sex trade”. He also highlighted the role of National AIDS Control Programme, Causes for HIV/AIDS, Sex workers Problems.
The highlight of the programme was an interaction of students with two commercial sex workers, who explained how they got into the sex trade, the dilemma they faced on integrating with their family members and how they wanted to get of the trade as they faced a lack of dignity and lived in sub human condition. Honey, a third gender, shared her experience as trans-sexual. She elaborated how she was rejected by her family members and her desire of entering into the police force. She herself was well educated and had earned her B.Ed degree. Students were discussed with her their expectations and tried to understand what it was to live the life in a community that is shunted by society.
Prof. P. G. Aquinas, Professor & Chairman of the Social Work Department presided over the program. In his presidential remarks Prof. Aquinas said that “we all could lead respectful lives if we change our approach to life and to the way we look at people.” He urged the students to develop a sence of compassion and treat all humans as fellow human beings without have to discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual preference, age, colour and social status.
Dr. Yashaswini B, Assistant Professor, Mangalore University introduced the resource person and the panellist. Student Santhosh P welcomed the gathering, Vijay moderated the program and Santhosh G.B delivered vote of thanks.
Besides Social Work Students and Scholars, Students from Kannada Department, MCJ department, History department also participated.