Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Mangalore, Oct 16 : All major religions say humanity is the greatest virtue for mankind. Yet very rarely we come across instances where true humanity manifests itself without the caste, creed or religious factor coming into consideration. There are however exceptions to every rule. Tabassum, a middle class Muslim woman has shown that religion should not come in the way of showing concern, love and empathy to fellow human beings especially children belonging to other religions.

Her actions speak louder than words as Tabassum is taking care of 14 HIV positive girls, all Hindus, through her protection care centre “Snehdeep” she established 2 ½ years ago. She has rented a house in Kottara Chowki, Mangalore, to set up the care centre exclusively for these girls, who are either orphans or have single parents as a result of either parent or both succumbing to the deadly disease. Speaking to Daijiworld.com she says she started working for NGO 14 years back to supplement her family income. But destiny willed otherwise as she was consumed by the passion to help the hapless girls, suffering for no fault of theirs. “I always loved working with kids and my experience of working with the NGO gave me the necessary courage to set up Snehdeep.

May be Tabassum was destined to things that are considered ‘different’ from the normal. So when other women of her ilk settled for a normal family life Tabassum chose the challenging and cumbersome task of helping HIV positive girls especially those whom their own family and even the society shuns. “Life is quite hard for young girls who are HIV positive because their family members and relatives shun and disregard them. There are possibilities of people taking advantage of such vulnerable girls and raping them. As a result there is all likelihood of more people getting infected. These girls are much safer at our protection care centre”, Tabassum assures.

She needs at least Rs. 50,000/- every month to look after these girls who study in various schools and colleges of the city. Apart from Tabassum there is a nurse and a nun who work amidst these children. “Snehdeep” does not have regular source of income of its own but has been able to carry on with its noble work uninterruptedly thanks to the good Samaritans who have been rendering financial help. Even then it has not been easy for Tabassum who has to go seeking financial help. “There is always the familiar jargon ‘oh she is not our person (does not belong to our religion) so why should we help’ from some people. They don’t bother to see that I work for children whatever might be their caste or religion. It is another matter that at present there are only Hindu girls at Snehadeep. I believe diseases don’t come looking at the religion of the person. It can affect people irrespective of race, religion, caste or creed. So humanity should be the only concern when we help people in anguish”, she asserts.

Tabassum has always been a resolute woman who fought her way to be what she is today – a kind-hearted soul who has dedicated her life for the welfare of HIV positive girls. Despite obtaining distinction in SSLC she could complete her PUC with great difficulty as she comes from a poor family. Even marriage did not dampen her enthusiasm to study further and she completed her degree after marriage. She took up a job with the NGO to supplement her family income and that exposure of working with HIV positive patients and pregnant women completely changed her horizon. It was no easy as she had to overcome stiff opposition from her family and relatives who sneered at the very thought of a Muslim woman working outside with all sorts of people. But Tabassum had her way as she is made up of sterner stuff.

The death of her close friend due to AIDS and the way her family and friends treated her when they came to know about her disease made her realise the urgent need to provide succour to people like her. That is how Snehdeep was born and true to its name has been working as a true friend and guiding light for these HIV Positive girls.

All these girls go to schools and some of them are on ART. So apart from nutritious food and timely medicine regular checkups are a must for the children.

Now being Dasara holidays most of the children who have at least single parents have gone to their homes and some have gone to the homes of their relatives. Now there are only two orphan children at the care centre and Tabassum sometimes takes them to their home to pep up their mood.

Tabassum means happiness or smile and true to her name she is spreading happiness through her selfless service. 
Tabassum can be contacted at 0091 -99640 24655