Are you negative?

What matters the most when you’re ready to take the plunge into solemn matrimony — matching horoscopes, financial security or an HIV negative certificate? Read on to find out...

What matters the most when you’re ready to take the plunge into solemn matrimony — matching horoscopes, financial security or an HIV negative certificate? A recent HT City survey reveals that an overwhelming 65 per cent youngsters want to be sure that they, or their partner, aren’t HIV positive before they take the marriage vows. On World AIDS Day today, we found the voices just getting stronger.

Positively negative
“Many couples come to us for consultation before marriage. We always advice them to take the HIV test and almost 80-90 per cent accept it. But there is a significant increase in youth proactively coming for tests,” says Dr Kaberi Banerjee, senior consultant, infertility and IVF at Max Hospital. “Even if young people don’t go for it at least a lot of them are talking about it. I have a significant number of young men coming to me for advice on HIV test,” says Dr Nimesh Pannikar.

Caution, if you care
Youngsters validate the medicos. Kanika and Maanav Rohatgi, who got married early this month went in for a certification a month before the D-Day. “We both were scared but we took the test for each other. The report was such a relief,” says Kanika. “I don’t mind asking for it. An HIV test done is of utmost importance before committing physically,” says actress Celina Jaitly. “I’d definitely take the test. If I am marrying someone, I want both of us to be safe,” says student Garima Rawat. However, not every youngster seems as positive about a HIV negative certification. “I can’t ask my future husband for an HIV certificate. It would be so embarrassing,” says IP University student Deepti Chikkara. “It’s about trust. I won’t do that ever,” says college student Anupam Mehta.