To a long and happy life
Three NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) students have compiled Happy Long Life to You, a book of edited stories about the caretaker and children of an HIV/AIDS orphanage in India. The book’s proceeds will support Shelter Charity Home’s daily needs and help fund a new extension, while highlighting issues faced by those with the disease.
“We hope that our readers leave with the conviction that these positive individuals deserve to be treated just like any of us and they too can achieve in all aspects of life. It just requires a little effort on our part to open our hearts and minds,” said Year 4 NUS Medicine student Elampirai Elangovan. Together with two other Year 4 Medicine students — Nadia Sim and Yang Kaymond — the trio have made many friends at Shelter since their first trip in Year 1.
The undergraduates found out about the HIV/AIDS sanctuary through a talk given by NUS Medicine alumni who had started a non-governmental organisation called Seeds of Nations. Shelter is one of the organisation’s partners under Project Naadi in Tamil Nadu, India, which works with rural communities and marginalised groups.
“The philosophy behind Uncle Solomon’s founding of Shelter was to provide normalcy in all aspects of life for his children. He believes that love, life and laughter are birth rights of every child and he wants to provide quality care and education to these HIV-positive children,” explained Elampirai, referring to founder Mr Solomon Raj, who juggles several jobs to make ends meet.
Kaymond (far left, back row), Elampirai (in floral top, seated under painting) and Nadia (far right, in white top) at Shelter
The most urgent issue right now is to construct another house, estimated to cost $63,000, for the Shelter’s older teenagers, as Indian law does now permit anyone aged 18 years and above to live in a home. They, however, would like to stay on and take over caregiver duties for the younger children, Elampirai said. Fundraising will also help offset everyday expenses such as food and clothes, and education and healthcare needs.
The students have formed a close bond with Shelter beneficiaries over the years. Elampirai has participated in Project Naadi thrice and will be doing so again this year. Kaymond and Nadia have been involved in this project twice. All three undergrads have also made two trips independently of the project to see their Indian friends.
“We would like to raise awareness on the stigmatisation against individuals living with HIV. HIV and AIDS remain a very real issue, both locally and overseas. It will take years of education and adequate amounts of resources to challenge and break this stigma,” said Elampirai.
The book, which costs $16.05, can be ordered here. It will also be sold at Books Kinokuniya and MPH Bookstores in Singapore from 29 February.
