Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday strongly disapproved of the stigma that has come to be associated with HIV/AIDS.
Addressing a function held on the occasion of World AIDS Day, Yadav, who also holds the Health portfolio, urged young men and women to banish "shame" and "fear" while getting tested.
"We must not end up hating those who are afflicted while trying to drive away the affliction. It is essential for the young generation, especially pregnant women, to give up lajja (shame) and bhay (fear) while undergoing an HIV test", Yadav told the gathering.
The 33-year-old former cricketer had reached the venue, a public park, on foot, wearing a tracksuit and sneakers in a gesture aimed at gelling with the young crowd.
The tech savvy RJD leader also posted pictures of himself at the function on Twitter.
"Took part in an awareness march organised by health department. The purpose of observing World AIDS Day is to sensitise people about the disease and discourage them from ostracizing those who have got infected", Yadav tweeted.
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