Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister inaugurated the first Cultural Night of week long International Shivratri Festival by lighting the lamp at Mandi last evening. He also witnessed the cultural programme presented by various cultural troupes from various parts of the country.Thakur Gulab Singh, Public Works Minister, Shri Khimi Ram, Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, MLA and State BJP President, Shri Roop Singh Thakur, Shri Dile Ram, Shri Anil Sharma, Shri Hira Lal, Smt. Renu Chadda, MLAs, Shri Damodar Dass, Shri Kanhaiya Lal Thakur, Shri D.D. Thakur, former MLAs were prominent among others present on the occasion.
Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister said that mass awareness about the effects of HIV/AIDS was the need of the hour to save the society from the dreaded disease and added that 2622 Anganwari Centres would be considered as Red Ribbon Clubs in the State. He was addressing the first of its kind Convention of Anganwari Workers and Members of Self Help Groups for empowering women in fight against HIV/AIDS on the occasion of International Women's Day in the State Level Function organized by Health and Family Welfare Department at Baddi today. He also launched the Awareness Campaign by signing the pledge to make society HIV/AIDS free.

Chief Minister felicitated the women of the State on the International Women's Day and congratulated the organizers for launching he campaign. He said that cure was yet to be found to check AIDS as there were about 3.32 lakh HIV/AIDS patients in the country while the State had identified 2622 such cases majority of affected being women.

Prof. Dhumal said that women could play pivotal role in generating awareness about the disease and appreciated the endeavour of Anganwari Workers for helping the Government to create awareness among the people especially in the rural areas. He said that women could educate the poor and illiterate in better way about the disease which was so for incurable and safety and protective steps were only safeguards.

He appreciated the cooperative attitude of Bhojia Dental College for helping the Government in providing temporary accommodation in college complex to start the 100 bedded ESI hospital to help industrial workers avail the medical facilities in public private participation. He said that the proposed hospital would be a centre of quality health services.

Chief Minister released the CD produced by AIDS Control Society in assistance with I&PR Department to create awareness among masses about the disease. He also administered the HIV/AIDS protection pledge to the people.

Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Health Minister welcomed the Chief Minister and appealed all sections of the society especially women to contribute in making the society AIDS free. He appreciated the highlights and proposals of the budget for coming financial year which emphasized on expansion of health activities.

Dr. Sulakshana Puri, Project Director, HP State AIDS Control Society apprised the Chief Minister of the activities of the society.

Shri Hari Narayan Singh Saini, Smt. Vinod Chandel, Smt. Renu Chadda, Shri Govind Sharma, Dr. Rajiv Saijal, MLA's, Shri Kripal Parmar, former MP, Dr. Gyan Chand, Director, Health Services, Shri Amandeep Garg, DC, Shri S.P.S. Verma, SP, Dr. Arun Sharma, Spl. Secretary to Chief Minister, Shri J.R. Katwal, Special Secretary to Chief Minister and Director I&PR, Smt. Ritu Sethi, General Secretary State Mahila Morcha and others dignitaries were prominent among others present on the occasion.