Puppetry street play to spread awareness

A ten day workshop on puppetry street play, an alternative communication and delivery method to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS and Drugs program is underway at Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) 3rd Mile, Dimapur.
The training has been organised by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) in an effort to reverse the spread of HIV epidemic in the state, with its aim to train youths, who in turn would disseminate HIV and AIDS information through puppetry street shows in the entire districts of the state.
Speaking at the inaugural function, chief guest Hekali Zhimomi, Director, North East Zonal Council Centre (NEZCC) appreciated the efforts of NSACS for coming up with innovative approach in creating awareness. She was of the opinion that, as long as there was HIV and AIDS in the state, awareness should continue. She urged the participants to make the best use of the resource persons from The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust team from New Delhi who are working on an HIV and substance abuse programme using puppetry supported by UNESCO. Raising her concern on stigma and discrimination towards the infected and affected, the chief guest challenged the participants to reduce the stigma; attached to HIV and AIDS through street shows.
Dadi Pudumjee, Artist Director and Managing Trustee, briefed the participants of the Ishara’s initiatives in the fight against HIV and AIDS and substance abuse through plays and highlighted the participants about the activities to be undertaken during the workshop. The workshop is being participated by Nagaland Network of Positive People (NNP+), (Nagaland Users’ Network) NUN, Educated Unemployed Youth and The Voice from Akimbo Society.
Earlier welcome and introductory was delivered by Paul R. Consultant Civil Society, NSACS. The training program which started on September 8 would end on September 17. Trainees will also be staging shows at Dimapur town.