Imphal, Oct 31 : On the eve of Ningol Chakouba, the biggest Meitei festival dedicated to pampering married daughters, an anti-drugs association in Manipur gave HIV-positive women a detergent powder that will wash away at least some of their woes.
“The sale proceeds of the detergent will go to women and children affected by drugs and HIV,” Ph. Abe Chanu, publicity secretary of the All Manipur Anti-Drug Association, said today.
Called Ningol Excel Blue, the detergent powder was launched by education minister L. Jayentakumar Singh at a low-key function at the anti-drug association’s office today.
Since 2005, the non-governmental organisation has been celebrating Ningol Chakouba with at least 140 women, primarily those living with HIV or drug abuse.
“The detergent is a ray of hope for women like me. We are grateful to the association for producing it,” said R.K. Reena Devi, a 32-year-old HIV-positive woman.
Reena Devi got the virus from her drug addict husband who died in December 2006.
“My monthly income now is a little over Rs 1,000. Within that amount I have to send my daughter to school and buy my medicines. I hope the detergent will add to my income,” she said.
Workers at the detergent’s factory also include HIV-positive women. “Twenty-two widows infected by HIV and five volunteers of our association are involved in manufacturing the powder. Of course, they get wages,” Kh. Meghachandra, a key functionary of the association, said.
Even the detergent packet screamed of the anti-drugs association’s motto.
“Let us join hands to save the society from drugs, HIV and AIDS,” a printed message said.
But will the venture find a market?
“Why not? Ningol Excel Blue can compete with other products. We are contacting jail authorities, hostels and NGOs running destitute homes to buy our product. Most of them have shown interest. We do not see any problem,” the publicity secretary of the association said.
The education minister himself bought 200 packets of the detergent at the end of the event.
