Sikkim to choose its Red Ribbon Star on 12 Feb

JOURNEY OF THE RED-RIBBON SIKKIM STAR CAMPAIGN

by LUBHANA RAI
Mobilizing and educating on HIV/AIDS through infotainment is one of the mediums to draw participation of one of the most vulnerable groups, the youths. With an aim to spread the awareness from urban to rural population Sikkim State AIDS Control Society initiated the “Red Ribbon Sikkim Star”, a theme-based performing art competition, part of the Multi-Media Campaign 2010-11. Keeping in view the importance for involvement of youth, the competition was categorized in 3 divisions- music, song and drama.
The campaign made its debut with a stakeholders meeting on 26 September 2010. During the meeting various aspects and objectives were discussed along with the launching of the campaign promo supported by an appeal by Project Director SSACS Dr. V. Singhi,  Indian Football Captain, Arjuna awardee Baichung Bhutia and singer Girish Pradhan. The meeting was attended by representatives from various Government Departments, NGOs, NYK, Sikkim University, Sikkim Armed Police, Jail officials, FBOs, members of SNP +, 1st AIDS Ambassador, media personnel and SSACS officers.
After the successful completion of the stakeholders meeting, training on IPC (Inter Personal Communication) for the effective implementation of MMC was conducted in four batches to members of Red Ribbon Clubs and FBOs. A total of 140 members were oriented on the importance and proper execution of the MMC. The IPC was followed by aggressive advertisements through print, electronic, Private FMs and All India Radio.
With hope and aspiration to spread the message of HIV/AIDS through music, dance and drama, Sikkim SACS rolled out the first ever “Red Ribbon Sikkim Star” competition initiating from Mangan, North District on 13th December 2010. Even though the participation was minimal, it was really heartening to see performances coming from closed doors of rural areas to an open stage projecting their ideas through various medium. Sincerity and hard work of the contestants from North District were appreciated by Judges and audiences.
Only 5 teams/ solo artists could secure themselves to the Semi-Final round. Leaving the purity of mountains and handful of dedicated contenders from North District, the audition was then shifted at the Capital, Gangtok in East District. With superfluous zeal and beaming confidence, large number of participants surrounded the venue anticipating to be crowned as the 1st Red Ribbon Sikkim Star. The unborn creativity was unleashed during the two day auditions conducted on 15th and 16th December 2010. From Gangtok 15 team/ solo artists were selected for the next round.
The next audition was held on 18th and 19th December 2010 at Namchi, South Sikkim. Participants from all walks of life had registered for the auditions, be it from the far end remote areas to the populous urban areas. A total of 15 team/ solo performances were selected from South District. The final two day auditions was held at Gyalshing, West Sikkim on 21st and 22nd December. This district unveiled some true talents which was unexpected and unforgettable. These surprise packages come from some of the secluded and media dark areas. From dawn till dusk the participants queued anxiously waiting for their turn. Finally 10 individuals/ teams were shortlisted for the Semi-final round.
The gift of versatile talent from this tiny Himalayan State flabbergasted the organizers and judges. With mesmerized senses the journey of District Level audition came to halt leaving behind many aspirants. At the end of the auditions 45 individual/ team were selected for the Semi Final round which was scheduled for 5th and 6th January 2011.
The two-day Semi Final was conducted at Government college auditorium, Gangtok wherein, the selected 45 groups showcased enormous talent. Every performance, be it dance, song or drama kept everyone wondering especially the blend and synchronization of HIV/AIDS message with the performance. After long wait of 48 hours the results were announced and 7 teams/ artist will be competing for the coveted title of ‘Red Ribbon Sikkim Star’.
The participants were judged by panel of 6 renowned personalities namely Mr. Madhu sudan Lama (lyricist and composer), Mr. Narayan Rai (lyricist, composer and singer), Mrs. Bimla Pradhan (singer and lyricist), Mr. R. D. Lepcha (theatre specialist), Mr. Uttam Pradhan (actor) and Dr. DS Kerongi (Deputy Director M & E, SSACS).
The Audition and Semi final rounds were recorded and telecasted episodically on Nayuma Entertainment Television, the only local cable in Sikkim.
The Grand Finale of “Red Ribbon Sikkim Star” is scheduled for 12th February 2011.The winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 75,000 along with various attractive gifts. The 1st and 2nd runner-up will be handed over a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively.
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.
[The writer is Assistant Director, Sikkim State AIDS Control Society]