বাংলায় পড়ুন
Kolkata has become the first city in the country to have a cafe run entirely by HIV positive teenagers. Cafe Positive, set up in a garage in Jodhpur Park, is one of its kind as it is run by 10 HIV positive teens who want to overcome the deep-rooted social stigma against them.
The teenagers belong to a shelter home in Baruipur, where they were given refuge after being abandoned by their parents and acquaintances.
Dipa Biswas, one of the ten teenagers, said, “It was not easy to begin. As HIV Positive patients, people generally view us as untouchables. We didn’t get a proper location to open the cafe, and many times the owners cancelled the final contract because they felt the neighbours would be uncomfortable with HIV positive patients taking up the space.” The 120 square feet garage space was acquired after a lot of struggle.
Cafe positive has a wide range of food items and drinks, ranging from delicious cappuccinos to grilled chicken sandwiches at very affordable prices. The preparation of the dishes as well as the serving is executed by them. The cafe already has gained a set of regular customers who are inspired and satisfied with their zeal to work and their positivity. A regular visitor Soma Dasgupta said, “It feels great to see them in the role of entrepreneurs. Their behaviour compels me to come here everyday.”
In spite of all the difficulties, these teens have set a big example for HIV positive people, inspiring them to come forward and lead a normal and happy life.
