HIV+ woman elected for panchayat

We've often heard of HIV-positive people being ostracised. But in a refreshing change, people in Tamil Nadu's Kodangipatti village have elected Eswari, who is HIV-positive, to represent them in the local panchayat.

In two years, Eswari has provided the villagers with many basic amenities they were deprived of for years. "She has brought us good roads, drinking water, set right street lamps and has provided us many facilities," said a villager.

"We are ready to do anything she asks," said M Thirukannan, president, Kodangipatti Panchyat.

But behind the lady's confidence lies a tragedy. Two of her children had died of AIDS after she contracted HIV from her husband. The couple and their youngest son are now surviving on anti-retroviral drugs.

"We can achieve anything. The fact that despite HIV, I've contested and won, I think its a big achievement," said Eswari, councillor. Eswari has now dedicated her life for the prevention of HIV.

Thanks: NDTV.com

அடடே, நம்ம மக்கள் கலக்குறாங்களே... வாழ்த்துக்களும், நன்றிகளும்...!!!