Pune: The Mamta Foundation in Pune has once again proven that compassion and awareness can break even the toughest social barriers. Several orphaned HIV-positive young men and women, nurtured by the foundation, have recently tied the knot, marking a powerful victory over stigma and a step forward for HIV awareness in India.
For years, Mamta Foundation has been a beacon of hope for orphaned children and youth living with HIV. Many of these young people lost their parents to the disease and faced rejection from relatives and society. But under the foundation’s care, they found not just shelter and education, but also dignity, self-worth, and a sense of family.
This month, the foundation celebrated the marriages of several HIV-positive couples an event made possible by the unwavering support of founder Mamta Patil and her team. The ceremonies were filled with joy, music, and blessings, attended by well-wishers from across Pune who came together to support the couples and send a strong message of acceptance.
What makes these marriages truly remarkable is the way society responded. Instead of the usual whispers and discrimination, the couples were met with open arms. Local leaders, health workers, and neighbors joined in the celebrations, highlighting a growing awareness that HIV is not a barrier to love, family, or happiness.
“Society’s acceptance is the biggest victory,” said Mamta Patil. “These young people have faced unimaginable hardships, but today, they stand tall, loved and respected. Their courage and the community’s support are breaking the old myths about HIV.”
The Mamta Foundation has long believed that education is the key to ending HIV stigma. Through workshops, counseling, and regular health check-ups, the foundation ensures that its residents are healthy, informed, and empowered to lead full lives. Their marriages are not just personal milestones they are public statements that people living with HIV can and do have the right to love, marriage, and a future.
Health experts at the event emphasized that with proper treatment, HIV-positive individuals can lead normal lives and even have healthy children. “Awareness and medical advances have changed the story of HIV in India. We must continue to support and include those affected,” said Dr. Suresh Patankar, a leading HIV specialist in Pune.
The Mamta Foundation’s success is a model for other communities across India. By combining compassion, education, and social support, they are helping to rewrite the narrative for people living with HIV.
One newlywed bride said, “We are not defined by our illness. We are defined by our dreams, our love, and the people who stand by us.”