Today is World AIDS day – A day dedicated to raise awareness about AIDS caused by the spread of HIV infection and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related diseases.
It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and to show support for people living with the same.
Cafe Positive: A place where a cup of coffee blends with positivity sprouting rays of hope and acceptance
In a truly inspiring move, Cafe positive was born in Kolkata to celebrate the spirit of unwavering humanity despite the odds.
The word “positive” here takes on much more significance than casual optimism.
It is owned and managed by a group of young adults who are HIV positives. Diagnosed when they were children, they grew up in a shelter for the HIV-infected.
Some were abandoned by families while others were orphaned and rendered homeless.
The 12ft X 10ft beacon of aspiration is Asia’s first coffee shop run entirely by a group of HIV-positive youngsters.
The main challenge faced by founder Kallol Ghosh was finding space as people were reluctant in lending space to HIV positives but in July 2018, a kind man allowed the gang to open their café in his garage for the cause.
With a little help, the group of ten managed to open their dream cafe and installed a tiny shelf, a semi-automatic coffee machine along with some chairs and tables.
Located in the prime location of Jodhpur Park in South Kolkata, the shop aims to dilute the stigma of HIV lurking in the minds of people.
At the same time, the cafe is determined to set an example for other HIV-positive individuals to come together and be independent, both financially and socially
The teens say that they want to prove their capability of doing something different while overcoming societal pressures.
Despite the Covid-19 related lockdowns, they stayed firm on their dream.
Giving up isn’t their cup of tea so they didn’t give up on their cup of coffee either.
Recently, they got a new outlet and are officially inaugurating the cafe today with the aim of helping HIV positives to live with dignity.
This World AIDS day, show solidarity by coming forward to share responsibility by enjoying the servings of the positives.
Take that one small step which might end up making a big difference in these people’s lives.
