University of Ladakh Hosts UT-Level Red Run 2026: Stride to the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Leh, September 29: The UT level Red Run 2026 formed part of the wider Red Ribbon movement, whose emblem denotes solidarity with people living with HIV. Organized by the Dean Students Welfare, University of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh AIDS Control Society and the Department of Health and Medical Education, Government of J&K, the event sought to raise awareness among young people on HIV/AIDS prevention, healthy lifestyles, physical fitness, substance abuse prevention and stigma reduction. A race was chosen for the message of endurance and collective effort what is required of societies confronting the disease and the prejudice attached to it. The ceremony also served as an induction for new students, placing a conversation on sexual health, prevention and dignity at the start of youth’s life.

The race began at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and ended at the Administrative Block, University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, and was flagged off by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha. Approximately 200 participants took part, representing GDC Kargil, Drass, Sankoo and Khaltsi; EJM College, Leh; Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS); Sowa-Rigpa institutions;

School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), the Kargil and Leh campuses of the University of Ladakh and Ladakh Police and Traffic personnel. Refreshments and breakfast followed the run.

The programme, moderated by Ms. Rigzen Yangdol (PhD Scholar, Political Science) began with the felicitation of dignitaries, including Shri Madan Lal, JKAS, Deputy Director (Finance) and nodal officers and dean of the University of Ladakh. Dr. Stanzin Mantok, Dean Students Welfare,welcomed the gathering, stressed responsible choices, healthy lifestyles and the engagement of youth in awareness building and appreciated the AIDS Control Society and Ladakh Traffic Police for their support.

Ms. Stanzin Dolma, Counsellor, ICTC, SNM Hospital, Leh, sensitized participants to HIV/AIDS, STIs, RTIs, and Hepatitis-B and C, covering transmission, symptoms, prevention, screening, and counselling and treatment. She urged timely screening rather than waiting for symptoms noting that early detection enables effective treatment and prevents mother’s transmission. She drew attention to the rising risk of needle sharing among injecting drug users, the vulnerability of migrant workers and the fact that HIV may not be detectable in the initial months after infection. She also outlined ICTC services (counselling, voluntary testing, referral), the importance of Hepatitis-B vaccination, the need to counter stigma and discrimination and provided the National AIDS Helpline i.e.1097.

Mr. Nawang Tsering, winner of the 122-km Ladakh Silk Route Ultra Marathon and the Ladakh Marathon 2026, recounted his journey through financial and physical hardship and urged youth to balance sport with education and to avoid drugs and other addictions, in favor of discipline, self-care and resilience. Dr. Tsewang Motup, Dean, College Development Council, highlighted

the role of educational institutions in youth

empowerment through education, sport and disciplined living.

Ms. Priyanka Singar, Registrar, University of Ladakh emphasized resilience, teamwork, and encouraging students to act as torchbearers among their peers.

Participants took a collective pledge, “No Drugs, No HIV/AIDS.” Shri Anand Jain (IPS), Director General of Police (DGP), UT Ladakh, Chief Guest, linked substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, sport and fitness and called for compassion, dignity and social inclusion, urging young people to resist peer pressure and choose healthy and productive lives.

rot. Saket Kushwaha. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor. Universitv o adakh. Chief Patron, stressed the relationship between vou emotions, substance abuse, peer pressure and HIV/AIDS. He advised students to learn to say “No” under peer pressure and called for sustained collaboration among educational institutions, government departments and other stakeholders.

Certificates, trophies and cash prizes were awarded to the Red Run position holders. In the Female category, 1 position secured by Ms. Sonam Chodon, University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, 2ndposition secured by Ms. Kulsuma Banoo, Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh and 3rd secured by Ms. Umbul Baneen, GDC Kargil. In Male category, 1″ position secured by Mr. Furboo Tundup, EJM College, Leh, 2nd position secured by Mr. Asgar Ali,GDC Kargil and 3′ position secured by Mr. Dorjay Gyalson, CIBS, Leh.

Before concluding, Dr. Ashu Rajput, Nodal Officer, Red Ribbon Club, University of Ladakh, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the dignitaries, university administration, AIDS Control Society, Department of Health and Medical Education, speakers, Nodal Officers, volunteers, staff and participants. The Red Run concluded successfully, demonstrating the value of educational institutions, civil society, government departments and youth in promoting a healthier, informed and responsible community.