Community Action Over Stigma: Bengaluru Teams Step Up for Children Living with HIV
Bengaluru: True social activism is not about momentary charity or public applause; it is about standing by people when they need support the most. Reinforcing this spirit, Team BSLA and Team Abhaya Activities recently visited Desire Society, a home for children living with HIV, sending out a strong message of compassion, awareness and sustained commitment.
Challenging Myths, Building Awareness
Activists and healthcare professionals at the visit underlined a crucial reality: HIV is not a crime. Yet, outdated laws and deep-rooted stigma continue to criminalize and marginalize people living with HIV, often treating them as offenders rather than patients. Such approaches, experts warn, discourage testing, treatment and transparency, ultimately harming public health.
“Fear thrives on misinformation,” said Debmalya Bhattacharya, Director, BSLA. “HIV does not spread through touch or casual contact. Breaking this myth is as important as providing medical care.”
Signs of Progress, Need for Continued Care
The visit also highlighted positive developments. The Karnataka government’s role in ensuring free vaccination and regular health check-ups for HIV-positive children was appreciated by the teams. However, activists stressed that medical basics alone are not enough.
“These children need additional nutritional support and vitamins to regain strength and live a normal, confident life,” said Payel Sengupta of BSLA. “Support from society can make a lasting difference.”
Doctors Join Hands for a Cause
Adding strength to the initiative, Dr. Leela Mohan, actor and general physician, joined the visit and pledged long-term medical support for the children in association with BSLA and other doctors.
“As a doctor and as a human being, I believe healthcare must reach those who are often ignored,” Dr. Leela Mohan said. “Every child deserves dignity, care and a future free from fear.”
A Decline That Inspires Hope
Reflecting on the journey so far, Debmalya Bhattacharya recalled that during an earlier visit in 2018, over 55 children were supported at the home. Today, the number has reduced to around 30—an encouraging sign of increased awareness, prevention and treatment.
“This decline proves that education works,” he noted. “Our dream is to see Karnataka emerge as an HIV-free zone, and we are committed to working throughout 2026 for children living with HIV.”
A Call to Act, Not Applaud
The initiative stands as an example of meaningful activism—quiet, consistent and people-centric. It calls upon citizens, professionals and institutions to move beyond fear and extend support, not sympathy.
As the teams emphasized, “Real change begins when society replaces stigma with solidarity.”
🔹 KEY QUOTES
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Dr. Leela Mohan:
“Healthcare is not just treatment; it is reassurance, dignity, and standing by those society often ignores.” -
Payel Sengupta (BSLA):
“Awareness has reduced numbers, but compassion must increase. These children need our collective support.” -
Debmalya Bhattacharya (Director, BSLA):
“HIV does not spread by touch. Fear spreads faster than facts—and that is what we must end.” -
ಡಾ. ಲೀಲಾ ಮೋಹನ್:
“ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸೇವೆ ಎಂದರೆ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ; ಅದು ಭರವಸೆ, ಗೌರವ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾನವೀಯತೆ.” -
ಪಾಯಲ್ ಸೇಂಗುಪ್ತ (BSLA):
“ಸಚೇತನತೆ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡಿದೆ, ಆದರೆ ಸಹಾನುಭೂತಿ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಹೆಚ್ಚಬೇಕು.” -
ಡೆಬ್ಮಲ್ಯ ಭಟ್ಟಾಚಾರ್ಯ (BSLA):
“HIV ಸ್ಪರ್ಶದಿಂದ ಹರಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಭಯಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಸತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಹರಡಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ.”
