Manushakti, the name given to her in Dharmashala in India by a Buddhist monk aptly personifies her. Her countenance dispels all myths that we would associate with somebody who has skipped the deadly grip of Aids twice in life. In Manushakti's fragile body is a very strong spirit with a will to live and enjoy life much more than many of us.
“One year ago I was just 32 Kgs and in coma, now I am big mama again,” says Manushakti with a hearty laugh. Today, she is thrilled when Nepali children with HIV call her Aama and crowd around her to receive her affection.
“Maybe they don't want me up in heaven yet,” jokes this 42-year-old Swiss woman who has been diagnosed HIV+ for 23 years.
Childlike and joyful, Manushakti cherishes each moment life offers. However, the depth in her eyes show that she has not only faced death but overcome it many times. Her playful demeanor and nonchalant attitude only depicts that she is capable of enjoying the precious moments life has offered her.
Manushakti reiterates a meaningful interaction she had with 12 drug users from the Kathmandu Valley where they talked extensively about how much the drug users are vulnerable to HIV. She was amazed the people who would turn a deaf ear to the advice of professionals are now open and receptive to her.
“They listen to me!” exclaims Manushakti as joy radiates from her face, “I tell people that unless you become absolutely aware about HIV and Aids you are going to die, and the response is very positive.”
Manushakti is a doctor by training but she is not allowed to practice due to her disease. Instead, she works as a freelance filmmaker. Currently, Manushakti divides her time between Switzerland and Nepal doing various creative projects mainly with children to spread Aids awareness.
Recently she organized a picnic in Sankhu with the help of Prisoners Assistance Nepal. More than a hundred children played and made music. Manushakti filmed the children as they sang, “I love life, let me live.”
“I am making a music video of the children singing and broadcasting it in Nepali and European TV channels,” says Manushakti who gets energy and power from working with people.
Manushakti doesn't rely on medicines to remain healthy. Instead, she feels that it is one's attitude and keeping a positive frame of mind that keeps one alive.
“If you really want to survive you can. Am I not a living proof of it?” she throws a question that only baffles the mind.
The tremendous amount of struggle Manushakti has to go through each day to keep in tune with life also gives her the awareness that other people need not go through the same pains only if they take the right precautions.
“People need to wake up to the reality of HIV and Aids. Unless our understanding about the prevention of it is utterly clear, HIV is going to devour the whole of humanity,” she clarifies with a pitiful but earnest statement.
BY KUSHAL REGMI (The Kathmandu Post)