Only Positive Vibes

The world has rapidly advanced over the last two decades but people infected with HIV continue to face social stigma and are left with limited opportunities for earning a livelihood. Cafe Positive aims at shattering the jinx, writes Mohammed Safi Shamsi.

The ‘Positive’ people at the Cafe

“I am a 24-year-old girl. I came to Anandaghar in 2007. I work here as a cashier. Customers are friendly. Some are reserved. I have friends, and during our free time we discuss how we are going to celebrate Durga Puja this year.”
“I am 19. I came to Anandaghar when I was just five years old. I have passed higher secondary exams. Customers now gel well. My conver- sation with friends is usually about shopping.”
“I am 20 years old. I came to Anandaghar when I was around 9 years old. The cafe has shown us the way. We are working hard, and have dreams. I work in the kitchen area. Customers at times say that they don’t think we are ‘ill’. Friends advise us to have healthy food for staying fit.”