Mrutunjay Palei (name changed) was super excited as he was about to get married to his uncle’s daughter. Preparations for his marriage were underway in full swing. However, as luck would have it, a medical camp was set up in his village just a few days before his marriage.
Out of curiosity, he got tested himself and the result left everyone astounded. Mrutunjay was diagnosed with HIV+ which turned his world upside down. His marriage was called off while people started mocking him.
However, instead of breaking down, Mrutunjay started his journey to spread awareness of the deadly disease and help others from being affected. He has been working towards helping HIV+ mothers during their delivery so that their children do not inherit HIV+. He is also associated with a lot of NGOs that work for the welfare of HIV+-affected children and mothers.
It has been 23 years now, Mrutunjay has been working for the welfare of HIV+ patients. He has been trying to live life as normal as he can. He believes that every HIV+ patient should be given equal treatment as a normal person.
“I was working in Mumbai for over 12 years. There were no major symptoms except for cough. Since then, I have been taking ART medicine. Instead of breaking down, I’m trying to live life as normal as I can,” quipped Mrutunjay.
“There is no major difference between a normal person and an HIV+ patient. I also do all my household chores and take care of myself. There is a lot of social stigma because of which HIV+ patients are being mistreated in the society. So, my aim is to spread awareness and stop the mistreatment of HIV+ people. Everyone should know that we want to live a normal life like everyone,” he added.
Mrutunjay has decided to never get married but to work for the welfare of AIDS patients like him and make the world a better place.