World AIDS Day on December 1 unites people to honour lives lost, fight HIV, and spread awareness. With the 2025 theme ‘overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response’, The Goan begins a series of stories of people living with the disease
PANAJI
In the 1980s, the word HIV-AIDS scared the world. It carried taboo and social stigma. Anyone diagnosed with it was often isolated. There were many misunderstandings about the disease, and society kept away from those affected. Over the years, awareness has grown and attitudes have changed. Caritas Goa, the only organisation in the State that provides shelter and holistic care to HIV-positive children, runs ASRO in Tivim. “We began in 2002 and continue to serve till today,” says Fr Maverick Fernandes, Director of Caritas Goa, Panaji.
Caritas also started an ASRO shelter in Cavelossim and later handed it over to the sisters. It no longer functions, as the services have stopped. But the Tivim ASRO continues with the aim of being a messenger of hope every day. This is not easy, but the steady work done by Caritas in helping the neglected has made a real difference. Many children have grown into confident adults who are grateful and willing to share their journeys. One such person is Sundar (name changed).
Sundar, born in North India on 15 August 1995, says, “My story is not easy. I was diagnosed with an incurable immunocompromised condition that I inherited from my parents. Both of them died of the same illness. My world collapsed before it even began. At that time, people were scared of the disease. Hardly anyone cared for someone like me. My childhood was full of loneliness.”
“I lost my parents when I was four. I was 11 when I first came to Asha Bhavan (ASRO). I had never visited a temple or taken part in rituals, but at ASRO I began praying and believing in God. When one door closed, another opened. I was brought to Goa and welcomed at ASRO, where life slowly changed. The sisters cared for me like their own child. I felt loved and protected. With their support, I studied in a residential school, completed my PUC, and trained in air-conditioning and computers. At 16, I started working and building my future,” he recalls.
Life, once a burden, became a blessing. His hard work helped him grow into a confident young man. Today, he works with dignity and runs a business with a partner. “I got married, accepted the Catholic faith, and now have two healthy, HIV-negative children. My body may still be positive, but my spirit is full of positivity,” says Sundar.
“It happened naturally. Last year, my sister told me that even though my father was Hindu, he used to visit Ponda Church. Maybe God had a plan for me. My choice of religion was my own. It felt like a miracle, with no pressure or force,” he adds.
Sundar loves cricket, keeps up with the world, and lives with purpose. “Every day, I thank the fathers, sisters, doctors, and friends who supported me. Yes, there was stigma and life was tough, but I overcame it. My work is my worship, and my determination is my prayer,” he says.
To everyone, he shares this message: “Life is not easy. Everyone has their own struggles. What matters is not what life gives us, but what we make of it. Do not lose hope. Do not give in to despair. Face life with courage. When we choose hope, life gains new meaning. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade — and enjoy it, because life itself is a precious gift.”
