72-Year-Old Woman Creates Safe Haven for Abandoned HIV-Positive Children in Maharashtra

Mangal Arun Shah, a 72-year-old from Maharashtra, has dedicated her life to creating a safe space for HIV-positive children abandoned by their families. Through her Palawi Project, she offers hope, food, shelter, medical care, education, and vocational training to over 150 kids.

The journey began in 2001 when Mangal Shah found two HIV-positive babies, aged 2.5 and 1.5 years, abandoned in a dirty cow shed. The children were left there, believed to have brought 'shame' to their family. After no orphanage or government hospital would accept them, Mangal decided to care for the children herself.

"I was disheartened to see that no government hospital was ready to admit them. We also tried to contact NGOs for orphans, but they also turned them away because of their HIV status. So, instead of waiting around, I decided to take care of these two little girls myself," she recalls.

This experience inspired her to launch the Palawi Project, which now provides a loving home for more than 150 HIV-positive children. Fondly known as Mangal tai (elder sister in Marathi), she has faced abuse and ostracization from the community, even having her water and electricity cut off. Despite these challenges, Mangal remains undeterred.

Through her organization, Mangal not only provides essential needs but also empowers these children with education and vocational training. The Palawi Project, operating under Prabha-Hira Pratisthan NGO in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, spends over Rs 6 lakh every month, relying primarily on donations to support nearly 125 children.

Reference:

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