RUN, Sikkim AIDS Control Society announce 10th edition of Red Fest

GANGTOK, : Recovering Users Network (RUN), in collaboration with the Sikkim AIDS Control Society (SACS), announced the 10th edition of Red Fest, a multimedia music campaign aimed at spreading awareness on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS, during a press conference held here today.

The Fest has been organized continuously since 2011 as part of RUN’s multimedia campaigning initiative. This year marks a milestone as Red Fest completes 10 successful editions, it was informed.

According to RUN president Ashis Lama, the music festival has been designed to connect with youth, as music remains one of the most effective platforms to reach the younger generation with messages of awareness and behavioural change related to drugs and HIV/AIDS.

A major highlight of the 10th edition is the relaxation of genre restrictions, allowing participants from any musical genre to take part.

Songs may be performed in any local language, including Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, or other regional languages, with a strong focus on youth participation.

The auditions for the South and West districts will be held on January 20 at Jorethang Community Hall.Similarly, the auditions for the North and East districts are scheduled to be held on January 22-23 near MG Marg, Gangtok.

Participants will compete for cash prizes, and bands from across Sikkim are encouraged to participate. Finalists will be required to compose a theme-based original song within two days. Participants from South and West Sikkim will be provided free accommodation during the final round.

RUN expressed its gratitude to the Health & Family Welfare department and conveyed appreciation on behalf of the organization to Health secretary TshewangDorjee for his continued support.

The organisation also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Chief Minister P.S. Golay for strengthening the health sector and creating opportunities for impactful community-based initiatives.

Advisor K.C. Nima highlighted the uniqueness of the initiative, stating that Sikkim is the only State in India where reformed drug users, under RUN, have been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting such a major HIV/AIDS awareness event by the State AIDS Control Society.He noted that RUN members themselves are reformed drug users, making the campaign more community-driven and impactful.

The 2025 theme, ‘Overcoming Disruption and Transforming AIDS Response,’ aligns with the themes adopted by UNAIDS and the International AIDS Society. The theme reflects global challenges such as political instability and funding disruptions affecting HIV treatment services, particularly in South Asia and the Northeast.

According to available data, Sikkim has reported 767 HIV cases, of which 440 individuals are currently alive due to free antiretroviral medication provided by the Government of India. Any disruption in funding could severely affect access to free medication, increasing health risks and behavioral challenges within the community.

Red Fest primarily targets the 14–49 age group and continues to use music as a medium to combat stigma, drug abuse, and HIV transmission.

With the successful completion of the 9th edition, RUN and SACS expressed confidence that the 10th edition of Red Fest will further strengthen community leadership, youth engagement, and awareness efforts across the state.

The press conference was also addressed by general secretary Karma Mingur and publicity sector Karma Wangdi, among other officials.