COMMUNITY ALLY Honouree
Jyoti Dhawale
India
I am a counsellor and guide first and foremost. I counsel other people in regards to HIV Health and Wellness. Keeping mental and physical health in top condition is very important for anyone living with HIV. I have a chronic condition called Eosinophil Asthma, where the white blood cells in my body cause inflammation and swelling in the airways and respiratory system. I also suffer from hearing loss. My hearing level is now down to 92%, with chances of me completely losing my hearing. Till then I want to experience the joys of listening to every sound, every noise, every whisper and sweet-nothings.
“I had to pinch myself to be sure it wasn’t all a dream. When I wasn’t selected the last time, which would have been my first international award, I was like “something is missing”. And I wanted my light to shine, the ray to reach each and everyone, their life to be illuminous. My name is Jyoti and it meant exactly the same thing. Hence I decided that I will shine more brighter!.”
