Red Fest 2025: North East united for a Musical Extravaganza on HIV/AIDS Awareness
Rongili Barta- National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), in collaboration with Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), successfully hosted Red Fest 2025 (Northeast Multimedia Campaign) at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium, Kalakshetra, Guwahati in Assam on March 7, 2025. The event, aimed at raising awareness on HIV/AIDS through music and culture, drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 1,200 attendees.
The festival was inaugurated Shri Ashok Singhal, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Assam in presence of Ms. V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary & Director General, NACO, MoHFW and Dr P Ashok Babu, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Assam, Health & Family Welfare and alongside other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister said “I am happy to note that every year NACO in collaboration with the State AIDS Control Societies organizes the North East Multi Media campaign that is aimed at involving the youth to spread awareness, compassion, education and support for the issue of HIV and AIDS in the region,” He further appealed to the youth to refrain from high risk behaviour like unprotected sex and injecting drug use.
A special address was also given by V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary and Director General. In her address she said that such HIV awareness campaigns like Red Fest North East Multi Media Campaign reaffirms our commitment to unitedly fight against HIV in this region.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of a Mobile ICTC Van by the Hon’ble Minister, aimed at improving access to HIV testing and counselling services in remote areas. The dignitaries also visited exhibition stalls showcasing various initiatives under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).
Popular bands from 8 states of North East performed during the event by spreading the messages of HIV awareness. They include Meenam Goi from Arunachal Pradesh, Snow White from Meghalaya, Chali & Crystal from Mizoram, Times Squared from Manipur, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Band from Nagaland, Sofiyum from Sikkim, Meghbalika from Tripura and The Family Tree from Assam.
The most anticipated performances of the evening included soulful renditions by celebrity singer Nilotpal Bora, a cultural folk fusion by Ranjit Gogoi & Team, an electrifying act by Hurai Lahori Folk Group, and special guest appearances by singer Agsy and artiste Aloke Yepthomi.
Red Fest North East Multi Media Campaign serves as a powerful platform to engage youth and communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS by leveraging the universal appeal of music and culture. With the Northeast region of India witnessing higher HIV prevalence in certain states, especially among youth and high-risk groups, such initiatives help drive home the importance of awareness, early detection, and treatment. By integrating entertainment with social messaging, the campaign successfully encourages open conversations, reduces stigma, and promotes behavioural change towards safer practices and HIV prevention. The overwhelming participation highlights the growing support for initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness through creative and engaging platforms.