### Promoting Health Awareness Through Folk Art

In alignment with the National AIDS Control Organization's guidelines, the Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society, Jaipur, and Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, organized a state-level Folk Media Workshop from November 7-9, 2024. The workshop brought together skilled folk artists from across Rajasthan, proficient in various traditional art forms like Khayal, street theatre, puppet shows, magic, and folk music. The initiative aimed to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and STIs through the engaging medium of folk art.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sunita Mishra highlighted the significance of the workshop, emphasizing that such initiatives play a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in rural areas. She noted that folk art has a unique emotional appeal, resonating deeply with people. She drew parallels to how folk artists inspired communities during the freedom movement, stating that these art forms will always hold an influential role in society. Prof. Mishra also shared the achievements of Kalbelia dancer Gulabo Devi, who has brought global acclaim to Rajasthani art.

Dean of the College of Arts, Prof. Hemant Dwivedi, discussed how initiatives like these not only promote folk art but also raise awareness about health. He emphasized that folk art serves as an impactful medium for conveying messages, facilitating positive changes in society.

Dr. P.S. Rajput, the organizer and coordinator of the Red Ribbon Club at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, explained that local artists were trained to deliver effective health messages through performances. Over 100 folk artists participated, aiming to boost awareness about HIV/AIDS while also reviving folk art traditions.

Teams from 27 districts of Rajasthan, including Bikaner, Alwar, Pali, Nagaur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Ajmer, received training to communicate HIV awareness through folk forms. These teams prepared scripts and performances in their local dialects, using songs, puppetry, theatre, and magic to effectively convey health messages. Various sessions were conducted over the three-day workshop, focusing on integrating HIV awareness themes into folk performances. The event saw participation from officials, including Dr. Pradeep Chaudhary, Sitaram Yadav, Garima Bhati, Lalit Chauhan, and Ratanlal Mali, from the Rajasthan State AIDS Control Society. 

This workshop was a significant step toward raising HIV/AIDS awareness across Rajasthan while celebrating and revitalizing traditional folk art forms.