Prasanna and Padma want to ensure that their 6-month-old daughter leads a better life.
Prasanna and Padma (names changed) were leading a life in the dark after they were tested positive for HIV. But their lives changed when they met each other six years ago at a HIV support centre, run by the Sumanahalli Society for People Living with HIV. Now, after four years of marriage, they look at life more positively with the addition of their six-month-old daughter into the family.
When Padma conceived, the couple’s only wish was that the child does not bear the consequence of their fault. Following the result of the first Elisa test, the couple is overjoyed as she tested negative for HIV. “There are two more tests to be done before she turns one-and-a-half. We are sure that they too, will be negative,” said Prasanna.
Prasanna, who hails from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, came to Bangalore eight years ago and took up a carpenter’s job. It was a year later that after a medical test Prasanna discovered that he was HIV-positive.
“I was shocked and did not know what will happen to me next. In that situation, I was referred to the centre and from then my life changed,” he said.
During his stay at the centre, he met Padma, who was his co-worker in the garment factory and had been there for two years. The acquaintance soon turned to a relationship. Eventually, in 2006, the couple tied the knot.
“Marriage was the turning point in our life. Soon after marriage, we decided to move out to a new house a few kilometres away from the centre. He took a loan and bought an autorickshaw. I am continuing with my job in the factory. We are trying to lead a normal life like anyone,” said Padma.
Their marriage was the first in the centre. Inspired by this, 11 more couples got married.
“There is another couple which is planning to get married,” Padma said.
However, they do have the fear of being recognised. The couple is leading a low-profile life to avoid any unwanted attention.
“With our job, we are making just enough to meet our daily requirements. We are happy with it, but we fear being recognised. None of our neighbours know that we are HIV-positive and we are aware that if we are recognised we will be forced to move out. We want our child to have a normal life,” Prasanna said.
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