India's Singing sensation takes on TIPA stage:

Thousands of locals and Tibetans alike gathered at TIPA to witness a unique talent hunt that was organized to create HIV /AIDS awareness. The Bollywood singing fame Sonu Nigam contributed to the event by coming all the way from Mumbai to participate in what turned out to be a musical show with a great cause. The show that was delayed due to heavy downpour in the north Indian hill town was a part of the 'Haath se Haath Mila', India's largest HIV/AIDS awareness mass media campaign.

The program brings together a celebrity and a real life hero on a common stage to intensify the fight against the spread of the deadly virus. Organized by BBC world Service Trust, in partnership with National Aids control Organization (NACO) and Doordarshan.

The musical competition featured artistes from TIPA, TCV and Nehru Yuva Kendra. The current story filmed at TIPA featured Yuva Star, Sarika Katoch from Gharoh, Himacahal Pradesh. She is a social worker involved in mission to educate people on HIV/AIDS in the region. The singing competition, which featured Tibetan, Pahari and Hindi film songs, was much appreciated by an enthusiastic audience that was enthralled by the humble personality of the Indian singer. Miss. Tenzin Donsel, Mr. Norbu Samphel and Mr. Tenzin Woeser from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts were adjudged the best singer.

Haath Se Haath Mila is a weekly (Thursday, 10.30 p.m) television show, which is telecast through Doordarshan, India's national channel.

By Tenzin Lhaksam