In an inspiring first, the Asia’s first café with an all-HIV positive staff called ‘Cafe Positive’ recently opened in Kolkata. The small café bustling young professionals, elderly and youths is completely managed by 7 HIV positive teenagers who have been abandoned by their families.
The new initiative was introduced by Dr. Kallol Ghosh, a 57-year-old activist who primarily works with children with mental health issues and HIV positive persons. Dr. Ghosh’s initiative may seem monumental, but if his plans work out, this would be the small albeit important trigger for something much larger. The doctor cum activist is planning on opening 30 such cafes across the nation and has already shortlisted as many as 800 persons for training.
The aim of the café being run by HIV positive persons is simple – raising awareness about the isolated lives that many HIV patients live, and creating employment opportunities for them. ‘Cafe Positive’ is known for its aromatic coffee and a comfortable environment that is inclusive to all – from the youths, to the professionals to the elderly.
The Facts of the Matter
Despite the massive government-run campaigns preaching inclusivity for HIV positive people, and in spite of the increasing level of education in India, HIV positive persons continue to be isolated from normal society. Due to the stigma associated to the disease, HIV positive persons continue facing difficulties in finding employment and often residences for that matter.
A café in South Kolkata aims to make the change in its own little way. ‘Cafe Positive’ in Kolkata is known for its aromatic coffee and nice sandwiches. It’s also known for being managed by seven youngers who are HIV positive.
The Idea and the Aim Behind Café Positive
Founded by Dr. Kallol Ghosh, the café is inspired by a similar café in Frankfurt which he realized was being run by HIV positive people. The aim of the café is simple, its to raise awareness about the lives of HIV positive persons, and to create employment opportunities for them.
In an India Today report, Dr. Ghosh was quoted saying – “Where will these kids go? As per juvenile justice law, one cannot stay at a home after 18 years of age. After the homes, where will the kids go? They need employment”.
30 Cafes, 800 Staffers to Be Present Across India
In another interview to News18, the Café Positive founder said that he is planning to open 30 such cafes across the nation and has already selected 800 people for training. Speaking about how HIV positive persons often get ostracized, Dr. Ghosh said – “They are just like everyone else, and they have a right to be respected and earn money”.
Dr. Kallol’s Ghosh Struggle with Starting Café Positive
It should be noted that he opened the first branch of his café back in 2018. However, Dr. Ghosh was against odds from the beginning. His first task was to open his establishment on a suitable property. However, many property owners turned their backs to Dr. Ghosh after they found out that he would be employing HIV persons as a staff.
Customers Often Get Uncomfortable with HIV Positive Staffers
His struggle finally ended when he found a garage in Kolkata’s Jodhpur. Another issue the café staff and its founder continue facing is people’s general discomfort after being told that its an HIV-run café. “Some people get uncomfortable. If they come and get to know that the staff is HIV positive, we explain everything to them and the majority stays back. However, some leave as well”.
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Café Has Hosted Sourav Ganguli, Virat Kohli
However, the café survived the test of time and over the course of the last couple of years, earned the respect and attention of customers. Since then, there have been birthdays, weddings and anniversaries that have been celebrated at the café. The café even once hosted Bengal’s pride Sourav Ganguli and former Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
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