World AIDS Orphans' Day today
Tribune Reporters

Ludhiana, May 6
Due to the increasing number of AIDS patients, the deaths related to the disease will also rise leaving more orphans worldwide.

The Association Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (AFXB), an international organisation, is working in 18 countries, including India, to focus on control and prevention of HIV/AIDS among vulnerable section of society. In an attempt to create awareness among the masses, FXB is implementing 59 programmes in India. The association is also observing May 7 as World AIDS Orphans Day.

To support the campaign, a candle march has also been organised by the FXB in the evening from Silver Jubilee Hall, PAU Gate number 2 to Sarabha Nagar in association with NCC unit Gadvasu,said Monica Gupta.

Jagraon: Meanwhile, World AIDS Orphans Day was observed today and a massive rally comprising NCC cadets and other students from 12 schools and college was taken out in Jagraon.

NCC officer of the local R K Sr Sec School Captain Naresh Verma said the rally began from R K Sr Sec School and terminated at the railway station.

This AIDS awareness rally was jointly sponsored and guided by the coordinator of Punjab chapter of F X B India Monika Gupta and the MD of AS Automobile Heso Honda, Jagraon. Mr Bhag Singh Mallah, MLA, and Mr Sukhwinder Singh Gill, SDM, flaged off the rally . This rally was preceded by an AIDS awareness seminar on the premises of the school.

International Red Cross Day tomorrow

Ludhiana, May 6
The shortage of blood is particularly acute in developing countries, where majority of the world’s population lives. Dr Hitish Narang, in charge, Transfusion Medicine, SPS Apollo, said to ensure that its citizens have access to safe blood, every country needs voluntary blood donors, who donate blood regularly.

On International Red Cross Day on May 8, the Department of Transfusion Medicine, SPS Apollo Hospitals is organizing a voluntary blood donor registration campaign to increase the number of blood donors in the emergency pool. All voluntary organisations, NGOs, educational institutes and individuals in the age group of 18-60 years, who are willing to donate blood can register their names with SPS Apollo at 0161-5037777, 5024444. — OC

SPORTS

Arun is tae kwon do association chief
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, May 6
Mr Arun Atri of Ludhiana has been elected the chairman of the newly formed World Punjabi Tae kwon do Association.

According to a press note issued here today by the association, the black belt holder and national referee, Amit Devgan, has been unanimously elected president while Charanjit Singh Atwal, Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha, and Mr Chander Shekhar, ADGP, Punjab, have been made patrons.

Other office-bearers of the association are Mr Sant Singh (Canada)— deputy chairmen; Mr Randhir Singh (Italy), Mr Davinder Singh (Germany), Mr Karamjit Singh (USA) and Dr Subhash (UK); vice presidents — Mr Gurpreet Singh and Mr Jasmeet Singh; general secretary — Mr Manav Atri; joint secretary — Mr Gautam Rishi; legal advisers — Mr Vipan Sharma and Mr Virender Dadwal.