01/12/2025
“Stand Your Ground, Even When the System Tests You” — Joining DOTS Observes World AIDS Day with Powerful Awareness Drive in Mumbai
Mumbai | 1st December 2025
Joining DOTS Organisation marked World AIDS and HIV Awareness Day with a powerful and impactful public awareness programme at The Mall, Malad, Mumbai, aimed at breaking myths, reducing stigma, and spreading correct information about HIV and AIDS.
The awareness drive was led by the Founder President, Ms. Nirmala Thakur, and strongly supported by the Secretary, Mr. Rupesh Thakur. The event witnessed active participation from students, legal interns, healthcare beneficiaries, and members of civil society.
A 25-minute Hindi street play served as the highlight of the programme, powerfully depicting the realities of HIV and AIDS, the causal transmission through unprotected and increasing sexual relationships, and the deep-rooted social taboo surrounding the disease. The performance drew strong public attention and encouraged open dialogue on safe practices and humane treatment of HIV-positive individuals.
This was followed by a 45-minute awareness talk and interactive debate with the legal interns of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) attended by Ms. Manisha Chavan, DLSA Representative, Legal and Event Head, on the topic:
“Legal Adversities of AIDS and HIV in India: Fighting the Disease as a Female S*x Worker.”
The session was spearheaded by Ms. Niki Thakur, Director and Speaker, Joining DOTS Organisation who played a key role in coordinating the legal engagement and ensuring meaningful student participation.
During her address, Ms. Niki Thakur raised a thought-provoking global concern, stating:
“Why were institutions able to eradicate the Covid-19 virus in just over 2–3 years, but are struggling over four decades to even create proper awareness about the HIV virus and AIDS disease?”
Her statement struck a strong chord with students and legal interns, urging them to rethink systemic priorities, public health communication, and sustained policy commitment.
Adding dignity and compassion to the programme, Ms. Chaitali Chatterjee, President of ‘Women Entrepreneurs Enclave’, generously donated food kits for the beneficiaries present. The event was further graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. Shyam Mistry from the CWC Judicial – Women and Child Welfare Department, whose presence strengthened the social and legal relevance of the initiative.
In her powerful closing address to the students, Founder President Ms. Nirmala Thakur delivered a message of integrity and courage, stating:
“No matter what happens, stand your ground and don’t give in to the pressures of the loopholes within the system, when you become a part of it.”
Her words left a lasting impact on the young legal minds present, inspiring them to uphold justice and ethics in their future careers.
The event saw participation from:
15 students
25 HIV-positive beneficiaries
15 members of the Joining DOTS Organisation team
and an audience of 110 odd people on the streets to witness the play
The programme strongly reinforced the message that HIV is not a moral failing but a medical condition, and that awareness, early testing, legal protection, and social acceptance are crucial in the fight against the disease.
Joining DOTS Organisation reaffirmed its continued commitment to grassroots awareness, legal advocacy, and the upliftment of HIV-positive individuals with dignity and equal rights
