Goodies ahead of Diwali spreads cheer among HIV affected children in Tamil Nadu

HIV-affected children in Tamil Nadu were in for a treat on Saturday as they received packs of goodies ahead of Diwali.

An organisation working with HIV positive children distributed crackers, sweets and new clothes to almost 120 children in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), bringing smile to their faces.

A HIV affected boy, Siranjivi, said people like him were always neglected in the society but this show of gesture during the festive season gave them a feeling of belongingness.

"The HIV affected persons are generally discriminated in the society and kept aloof from the mainstream. They are boycotted by the society and rarely get a chance to mingle with others. So in this situation if a moment of joy and togetherness comes to us, we feel welcomed," said Siranjivi.

Programme convenor, Jagan, said they hold such celebrations every year so that HIV positive children not feel discriminated from others in the society.

"We are not certain how long these children would live and in this situation we are trying to give them a sense of joy and celebration, be it very little but it is a big thing. Their mere participation in the celebration with all others by bursting crackers, wearing new clothes and socialising with others gives them immense pleasure. This moment is priceless for them," said Jagan.

India has the third-highest number of people living with HIV in the world, with 2.1 million Indians accounting for four of every 10 people infected in Asia, a report by the United Nations in 2014.