Stepping Up: The Magnificent Seven

On the afternoon of the day the DMAV was unleashed on Pune, a quieter event also signaled a change in the way DISHA will conduct its activities.
The HIV positive clients of DISHA in Tadiwala Rd. voted to form their own executive board to begin to take control over the running of the organization themselves. This continues the steps towards empowering the clients to live full lives with the virus rather than being forced to withdraw from life due to the pressures of stigma that often rule in India. The clients are now free to plan their own social events, building on such things as the regular terrace parties that blast off on the roof of Tadiwala Rd. in monthly versions of the yearly Celebration of Life.
The board positions representing the 82 person client body are President, secretary, treasurer, and five committee members, including one youth representative. The 18 year old youth representative is being groomed to be a spokesperson for the PLHIV community (People living with HIV), and she will undoubtedly be the face of the PLHIV community here at Tadiwala Rd. for many healthy years to come.
Another step on the way forward.