Inauguration of the behavioural communication park in Guna, Madhya Pradesh

As HIV/ AIDS is no longer a public health issue but has become a seriously socio-economic and developmental concern, there is an immediate need to act with an utmost sense of urgency and seriousness.

Therefore, as a part of our HIV/AIDS awareness initiative, we recently opened the Behavioural Change Communication park in District Guna, M.P. . A one of a kind initiative in District Guna, which was inaugurated by Mr. Narendra Kumar (DM, GAIL (India) Ltd.) on the 23rd of February, 2011. The location selected was within the premises of GAIL (India) Ltd. itself near the LPG/CNG station which is a halt point for the truckers passing the Agra-Bombay Highway.

HIV/AIDS being a sensitive issue in itself, therefore talking to people about it especially truckers who fall in the high risk category, is a big challenge in itself. Therefore after several discussions, it was decided that the same message will be circulated, but in a more friendly manner. Unlike the usual way of calling truckers to sit for meetings & addressing them with issues like safe sex etc. This new park will be a place where they could be entertained by showing movies, involving them in interactive sessions & having games like carrom board & cards arranged for them, which will in turn make the entire environment much lighter & help them open up & understand what we want to communicate to them, in a much better manner.