Discriminated in hospital, thrown out of house, his struggle continues

[Guest guest]

Discriminated in hospital, thrown out of house, his struggle

continues

HIV-positive strikes a positive note despite societal indifference.

Vikas Kahol & Neelam Sharma

Chandigarh, May 6: ``EVERY time I narrate my story on any public

platform, the entire span of about the past 10 years flashes back.

Life's bitter truths that I have been constantly living with, haunt

me during every passing moment. We live in a merciless social system

where no one treats any HIV-positive person with a positive

spirit.''

When Delhi-based Naveen Kumar narrates what he and his wife have

suffered from the time they discovered that they were infected with

HIV, he seems to represent the lakhs of HIV-positive people who are

maltreated in this complex socio-cultural scenario.

At a two-day workshop for mediapersons on HIV-AIDS convened by

Sanchetna, Udyan Sharma Foundation, Samyak and NACO, he narrated his

life's story. And it seemed as if he was putting his guard down so

that all could see what he had to go through. Yet, it did not seem

like a battle lost. Just like all things meant to shine through all

the misery, his positivity stood out and the message was clear

enough — `The battle against HIV can be won. What we need is some

will power and courage.'

``I married a girl belonging to a north-eastern state about ten

years ago. During her pregnancy, the doctors discovered that she was

living with the virus. I did not believe this. I had got the report

from the doctor and revealing it to my wife would have meant

sounding the death knell on her. We discovered she had acquired the

virus from blood transfusion,'' he said. Naveen, perhaps, represents

all those people who want to live with a positive attitude despite

having acquired HIV, and are dedicated to the cause of educating

people who are HIV-positive.

``I remember the day when we went to AIIMS, Delhi, for my wife's

medical examination after getting the medical report. They simply

advised us to drop the child that was in the womb,'' Naveen said.

Disappointed, the couple moved to Manipur and made efforts to save

the child from the infection. The doctors there administered his

wife some drugs to keep the baby safe. ``My daughter was born HIV-

negative and she is six-years-old,'' he said.

``When I see my daughter playing, it seems life is playing with

me,'' he said.

Naveen had to face many hardships while fighting a battle against

the virus. ``I suffered a heart attack and fell unconscious. I was

rushed to the hospital. When I gained consciousness, all hell broke

loose. The doctor was shouting at me as to why I didn't tell him

that I was HIV-positive. How could I when I was unconscious? I was

so pained to see the discrimination against the HIV positive. Every

utensil... my bed... any article meant for me had `HIV-positive' in

bold red letters. I decided to leave the hospital and shift to some

other medical care centre,'' he narrates the horrific tale.

However, it seems people in Delhi were not satisfied by making his

and his wife's life hell. Their daughter too had to battle it all

out. ``My daughter did not get admission into any school in the

capital since we were HIV- positive. The house owner threw out our

belongings from the rented accommodation. Now, my daughter lives in

Manipur and studies at one of the best schools. A small state gave

me what the nation's capital could not. Perhaps, they needed to look

at the issue with a positive attitude,'' is all that he is asked

for. And this is what most of us don't give.

Recipe for longevity

The battle against Human Immuno Virus (HIV) can be won by adopting a

regulated life. The HIV positive person should always seek medical

care from an expert and some medicines and food supplements are

available to boost the immune system. ``I know HIV positive people

who have been living with the virus for over 18 years now and they

are not dependent on Anti-Retro viral Treatment (ART),'' Naveen

said. He recommends: ``Never have food or water outside home as it

may lead to stomach problems. Do not have oil-rich food and try to

meditate and relax your nerves. HIV is doing its job, be strong to

fight back,'' he adds

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