Vishy Anand in HIV Ambassador of India role

Chennai, Oct 6 (UNI) The children of Avvai Home School here had some memorable moments interacting with India's chess legend, Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, who donned the role of HIV ambassador of India for 'Avahan' initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and educated them on preventive and behavioural aspects of HIV/AIDS especially dealing with the infected and the full-blown cases with a humanitarian attitude.

This the charismatic Anand did in the form of conducting a quiz on the dreaded disease which had Tamil Nadu among the worst affected states in the country.

''Idukku Marundirukka?'' (Is there a medicine for this disease?) was one of the key questions Anand posed in the quiz for the children who learnt some of the answers from Anand himself about HIV/AIDS.

Anand, who also advised the children to remain focussed , develop and pursue specific interests to become a champion, later answering queries from the media on his role as HIV/AIDS ambassador, said the best way to remove the stigma attached to those afflicted in the society ''is more one on one interaction with the patients.'' ''We have to diversify the methods of educating people about HIV/AIDS afflicted. It is a step by step process,'' he opined.

It is a slow process, he added.

''We must sensitise people by making them meet with those afflicted and make them understand that the disease is not contageous and it is normal to shake hands or even kiss the affected persons,'' the former world champion said.

''It is this stigma which is preventing those afflicted from seeking help. Prevention is in one's own hands. This point must be driven home'', Anand, who became HIV ambassador of India last year, said.

Anand also autographed a chess board for the children in the school.

The interaction programme was organised as part of the School AIDS Education Programme meant to empower growing children as they grow up, with one or two teachers as peer educators. It was also held under the auspices of Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society(TANSACS).

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