In a truly inspiring move that shows the unwavering spirit of humanity, 10 HIV Positive teens in Kolkata have opened a café in a garage.
In a truly inspiring move that shows the unwavering spirit of humanity, 10 HIV Positive teens in Kolkata have opened a café in a garage.
‘Cafe Positive’ began serving people around 15 days back. Located in Kolkata’s Jodhpur Park, the unique café is being operated from a garage. The teens say that they want to prove they can also do something different and overcome stigma attached to HIV Positive people.
Most of these teenagers were left out in gutter by their parents and acquaintances knowing their disease. Then they found their place in OFFER home in Baruipur .Initially they were supported by OFFER’s Kallol Ghosh. "One day we were discussing about their future,they gave this idea that since they were learning skill training bakery they want their own cafe. But things were not easy to get a place for the café. There were times when even after the final contract for some space owner would say that neighbours will be uncomfortable with HIV positive patients taking that space."
At last, one person helped them and let them the garage space. Dipa Biswas of Bonga came in Baruipur home at the age of 5, she tried to go to school but stood outside her classroom most of the days as she is HIV positive
Dipa wanted to come out of this stigma "We are not untouchables,you will not have AIDS if we make tea coffee for you, people should understand that."
Sonia Theda used to stay in Mumbai. Her mother was HIV carrier and Theda was brought to Kolkata after her mother’s death.
‘We are doing work and we will show people — yes we can’.
From Cappachino to grilled sandwich, everything is made by them and you get these at much cheaper price comparing it with other cafes.
Opened just for fortnight, the café is also getting steady streem of customers. Soma Dasgupta, a visitor of the coffee shop, says "it feels great to see them in the role of entrepreneur their behaviour compels me to come here very often."
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 "Kolkata Cafe")
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