The programme was opened by Prof S Peppin, Joint Co-ordinator of XIMB STRC, who gave a brief introduction to the Leadership and Managerial Proficiency Programme (LAMP) which was conducted by XIMB, in collaboration with the UNDP. He also paid homage to four pass-outs of the programme who had since, succumbed to the deadly HIV virus.

Ms Niharika Sahoo from XIMBas STRC then gave the audience a brief introduction to AIDS and the HIV virus. She explained the various modes of transmission of the virus, and also tried to dispel some of the myths regarding the spread of AIDS. She said that in the present scenario, out of 32.2 million HIV infected people in the world, 2.5 million were from India, as of 2006. She also said that around 25% of the infected population was within the 15-29 years age group. Ms Sahoo stressed the need to treat HIV infected people normally. She said that by their own admission, it is the discrimination that kills the patients faster than the virus itself.

Mr Parmeshwaran Swain then delivered the chief guestas address. He reminded the audience of theme for World AIDS Day a lead, empower, deliver, and urged the students to take the theme to heart. He said that although the prevalence of AIDS in the state of Orissa is down to 0.22%, as opposed to the national average of 0.36%, we need to make further efforts in order to curb the spread of this dreaded disease. He pointed out that AIDS is more a social issue than a health issue. He then described the efforts made by OSACS to mainstream AIDS prevention efforts through partnership with UNICEF for prevention of parent to child disease transmission. He also briefed the audience about OSACSa partnership with XIMB for setting up the State Research and Training Centre (STRC).

Ms Anita Anasuya of OSACS then facilitated the screening of a film made by the UNas International Labour Organisation (ILO). She also delivered a short speech through which she tried to convey the message of tolerance towards HIV affected people in the workplace. She also explained how preventing HIV AIDS makes perfect business sense by reducing expenses on labour absenteeism and replacement.

The final speaker of the day was Mr. Prabhu Patel of Shubham, a rehabilitation and counselling centre. He spoke about the evils of addiction and how the number of injecting drug users (IDU) is increasing. He said that around 10% of IDUs were affected with HIV. He also urged the students to spread the message against alcohol and drug abuse and said that just one mistake is enough to make a huge and debilitating difference.

A couple of films on AIDS awareness prepared by the first year students of the rural and business management courses were also screened during the event. The event concluded with a question & answer session and a vote of thanks by Ms Niharika Sahoo.