I am HIV Positive, So What? by Jayanta Kalita

Author:Jayanta Kalita
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

CHAPTER 4

Mother Courage

In the 1970s, not too many families in Sagolband Khamnam Leirak truly understood the importance of education. Also, they weren’t bothered to find out what their kids were up to. However, K Kalachand Singh and his wife Mema Devi ensured that their children received decent education. Perhaps their professional field – Kalachand is a retired official of the state education department while Mema Devi taught in a primary school – had shaped their outlook. Despite their limited means, they sent the kids to school. The couple took care of their needs and supported them till all of them could choose their vocations. Among all the children, they had high hopes from Pradip. They found him promising, not just in sports but also in studies. Pradip too never let them down until they learned about his HIVstatus.

Recalling those days, 75-year-old Kalachand Singh says, ‘When I came to know about his status, my dreams were shattered. But I was not mad at him since he admitted to committing a mistake. He was also deeply regretful for what he did. After all, it was an accident.’

The couple never thought in their wildest dreams that their son could be on drugs. They still insist that Pradip was not a regular drug user and he might have shared a needle without realising its consequences. They say he might have taken cigarette, drugs or booze, but they never knew it. He never came home drunk and they never found him being high on any contraband substance. In a way, they were totally in dark about what he did with his friends. He studied in Manipur till Class XII, but he never gave them any chance to be suspicious about his behaviour.

Nevertheless, they learned to cope with the situation after doctors made the shocking revelation. They graciously accepted the truth and forgave their son knowing very well that their life would never be the same. The initial phase was indeed tough for the family when things looked very hazy, but soon they came to terms with the reality.

Unlike many families of HIV victims, Pradip’s parents were very optimistic. They were confident that their troubles would soon be over. So they remained calm and composed and helped Pradip lead a normal life. Among all the family members, Mema Devi took the lead in turning around the situation in the aftermath of Pradip’s detection. Being an educated woman, she knew how to face the challenges. She never felt that his virus could infect her or anyone else in the family.

She was well aware of the preventive measures. When it came to taking precaution, she was an expert. She ensured Pradip’s injections and spirits were kept at a safe distance and at a proper place. These were essential stuff to be given to Pradip whenever he fell ill or was hurt. His maternal uncle arranged for a pharmacist to give him injections because local nurses were not willing to do the job.

Kalachand had retired by the time Pradip’s status was known.

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