About 30 children who have been tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have made Mercy Home, located in Puliyakulam, their home. These children are from all over the state. They have been disowned by their families for various reasons, but are now living a peaceful life.

The youngest inmate of Mercy Home is two-year-old Sadhana, while the oldest is 20 years old. The home was founded by R. Marjuk Begum and her husband, R. Riyas in 2008.

Mercy Home functions from a community hall located in Puliyakulam. The founders run the home with their own funds. But, on several occasions, a few corporate houses from the city come forward and take the inmates of the home on a day’s picnic. The home is also supported in cash and kind by the Aadhirshta Educational and Social Welfare Trust.

“Whenever I can, I support the Mercy Home. Since these kids are not in the best of their health, they need extra love, care, and attention. On behalf of the trust we ensure that the kids’ medicines are funded. We are not sure how long these kids will live. The founders, volunteers, and well wishers of the home ensure that we celebrate occasions like birthdays and all festivals as if they are with their families,” Soundhariya Meenakashi, Founder, Aadhirshta Educational and Social Welfare Trust, says.

Soundhariya also says that despite many ups and downs, Mercy Home continues to ensure that its doors are open for children who have been tested HIV positive. In the year 2014, the home hit the headlines when some residents of Puliyakulam demanded that it be closed. They accused the founders of this home of being rude to the inmates.

Sources close to this home point out that the residents of Puliyakulam wanted to close down the home because they are uncomfortable with having HIV positive children in their neighbourhood.