SURAT: Due to the global pandemic, a large number of marriages are being postponed while few are being organised minus the grand celebrations following the current restrictions. But amid the adversities around 250 HIV positive men and women, who are already living life with several limitation, will look for life partners on this World AIDS Day on Tuesday, in the first of its kind online matchmaking fair for positive people.
Gujarat State Network of People living with HIV AIDS (GSNP+), an NGO, has been organising the matchmaking fair on a regular basis. “Earlier we used to invite participants to the city and they met each other personally. But in the current situation we have planned online events so that positive people can get a chance to start a new life even in this situation,” said Daksha Patel, secretary of GSNP+.
For the online event, the organisers have invited applications from HIV positive people. Based on their selection criteria a video meeting will be arranged between the candidates.
“Those matching requirements of each other will be put on video meetings during the fair and if they are interested we will arrange their future online meetings as well. Those expressing interest in specific candidates will be put in touch even after the fair, if required,” said Rasik Bhuva, president of GSNP+.
The NGO will also arrange meetings of family members of the positive people during the fair. “I am excited about the fair since it will be my first experience participating in an online matchmaking fair. I hope I will find a suitable partner,” said a candidate.
Earlier this year in a matchmaking event, over 900 candidates participated in the fair. Compared to the matchmaking fair held in normal circumstances, the participation is less but the organisers are hopeful of post fair inquiries. In the matchmaking, candidates not only from Gujarat but neighbouring states will also participate.