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In 2010, a compassionate journey began that would change countless lives. Aashiana - The Shelter Trust - was born from the vision of its founder, Vilina Bahadur, a schoolteacher of 20 years who found her calling while working in HIV/AIDS awareness organisations across India. While conducting awareness programs, Vilina met her first HIV-positive patient - a young widow of 23, abandoned by her in-laws with a newborn after losing her husband to AIDS. Vilina found her shelter, provided care, and stood by her until she rebuilt her life. That encounter opened her eyes to the deep social stigma, isolation, and poverty faced by HIV-positive individuals, especially women and children.
In 2011, Aashiana was proudly established as a non-profit organisation, initially supporting just 20 HIV-positive families. The journey was challenging: families faced malnutrition, limited access to medical care, unstable incomes, and children dropping out of school without any institutional funding. The Monsoon Accessorize Trust was one of the very first supporters, and over a decade later, it has been a vital partner in their mission.
Our partnership goes beyond providing material aid; it fosters a sense of community, belonging, and emotional support. By integrating nutrition, healthcare, education, and livelihood training, Aashiana has developed a comprehensive model that uplifts entire households and transforms lives. As Aashiana's mission grew clearer - to restore dignity, health, and hope to HIV-affected families - we began providing nutrition kits, medical support, and education assistance for children. We introduced skill-building programs for women, starting with a jewellery-making workshop in 2012, which continues to empower women to earn independently.
Partnerships like the one with Monsoon Accessorize Trust in Gurgaon, which ordered 100 handmade bracelets and also supported our tailoring project, have been instrumental in sustaining livelihoods. Today, our support has helped Aashiana expand from caring for 20 families to now assisting 75 families across Delhi NCR.
"When I first met an HIV-positive widow abandoned with her baby, I knew I couldn't just walk away. Aashiana was born from that moment - to stand beside those the world turns away from, until they can stand on their own."
Over the years, Aashiana has implemented a consistent monthly support program which includes:
"I never imagined I could earn my own money. Now, I make jewellery and people buy it. It makes me feel proud," says Kamlakha (name changed), one of our jewellery artisans.
These programs are funded through donations, churches, funders like Monsoon Accessorize Trust via Shalom Global Foundation, and partnerships with individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives of those living with HIV.
"I never imagined I could earn my own money. Now, I make jewellery and people buy it. It makes me feel proud."
Champi (name changed) moved from Bengal to Delhi in 2001. Her life changed in 2003 when her husband was diagnosed with HIV, which he kept secret. By 2008, his health worsened, and during a hospital stay, the family discovered the truth, Champi also tested positive.
After her husband's death in 2010, she fell into deep depression, with no income and no idea how to care for her young daughter. Poverty and grief made her feel powerless.
In 2011, she learned about Aashiana. When she met its founder, she was welcomed with compassion and dignity. Champi became involved in early fundraising, receiving nutrition, medical aid, and emotional support. Her confidence grew; she learned jewellery making through a skill program and started earning a monthly salary, gaining financial independence.
Now, she proudly supports her daughter's education; her daughter is studying and working, building a bright future.
Kamlekha (name changed) lived in Bombay before moving to Delhi in 2008. That year, her husband fell seriously ill and was diagnosed HIV positive; she was tested and also found positive. Their children remained negative. life became tough, with her husband unable to work and paying 700 INR rent.
In 2013, she learned about Aashiana. From the start, she felt at home. Her family was struggling with no food, but Aashiana's founder helped her with money for food and rent. She faced discrimination in her village, where her family isolated her. At Aashiana, she experienced kindness and community.
Since joining, she has provided for her family. In 2015, she learned jewelry-making through Aashiana's women's program and started earning a salary, gaining confidence and dignity. She now supports her family, bought a fridge, moved to a better home, and ensures her children are cared for and educated.
Madhumita's (name changed) journey with Aashiana started in 2012, but her story began earlier in Bihar. Married in 1996, she moved to Delhi in 1999 and had two children. In 2011, her husband's health worsened; he was diagnosed HIV positive.
Madhumita took one HIV test, which was negative, but through her friend Mamta, she connected with Aashiana. Madhumita faced stress, as her husband was too weak to work; Anna helped her immediately. When Vinita Bahadur encouraged her to take a second test, she learned she also was HIV positive. Though it caused anger and near breakup, her children tested negative, and with counselling, peace was restored.
Madhumita learned jewellery making, earning her own income and becoming her family's main caregiver. Aashiana supported her daughter's wedding and her son'seducation. Now, she is confident and self-reliant, proud of her progress from a fearful villager to a provider, proof that empowerment transforms lives.
Today, almost a decade later, Aashiana supports 75 HIV-positive families every month. Children are back in school. Women once dependent on charity are now skilled artisans. Families that once struggled to put food on the table now receive consistent nutritional and medical care.
From supporting 20 families per month in 2012 to 75 families per month since 2023, Aashiana's journey is a story of steady growth and deep impact. This expansion has been possible largely due to the unwavering support of the Monsoon Accessorize Trust, whose contributions, including the very first funding of ₹3,07,600 in 2014 laid the foundation for our sustained outreach sustained outreach via Shalom Global Foundation, Delhi.
The total funding received to date has enabled us to distribute monthly rations, reimburse medical bills and give educational support to the children by providing stationary, uniform and tuition fees. Every rupee invested has translated into stability, dignity, and hope for families in need.
Aashiana's decade-long journey demonstrates that targeted, compassionate interventions can break cycles of poverty and stigma. We remain committed to expanding our reach, refining our programs, and ensuring that every family living with HIV can access the resources, dignity, and opportunities they deserve.
Total donations received
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A Shelter & Refuge for HIV positive women, children and families in Delhi
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