My name is Jyoti Dhawale.
In Hindi, Jyoti means Light. As in, a ray of light.
I was born in 1976, am Indian, and have been living in Bangalore since mid-2022. I was diagnosed with HIV in 2005 due to medical negligence, and I have been actively involved in HIV advocacy since 2011.
I love life. I’m friendly, free-spirited, and curious about people and their stories.
Dancing and music are my passion. Travelling helps me release stress. Reading is my indulgence, movies fascinate me, and I am a complete foodie. I strongly believe in karma. My role models are Mother Teresa, who taught me unconditional love, and Princess Diana, who showed the world how to give selflessly.
I was married in 2004. In 2006, during my pregnancy, I learned that I was HIV positive. I carried my baby to full term and gave birth via C-section to a healthy, HIV-negative son.
In 2007, my marriage began to fall apart, and we divorced in 2008. Whether it was fear, stigma, or simply circumstances, I made peace with that chapter. I remarried in 2013, but that relationship ended in 2016.
That is my past.
My present is about breaking ignorance, educating people, and leading by example - especially in a conservative and orthodox society like India. It is not easy to stand visible, but real change begins within us. That is why I call myself an HIV Changemaker, not just an activist.
I believe life may knock me down, but it will never defeat my will to live. I was born a rebellious fighter, and I continue to rise, learn, and grow through every experience.
If there’s one thing I wish to leave behind, it’s this:
“Here lies a woman who lived her life in such a way that she did not die in vain.”
Why Jyoti wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: In India, HIV/AIDS is still seen as a curse. People living with HIV are often treated like “untouchables.” Through the power of media, I want to reach even the most remote places and extend love, care, and acceptance to those who feel unseen and unheard.
I want people to understand that HIV does not belong only to the poor, the marginalized, sex workers, or drug users. It could be your educated, well-to-do neighbor.
It’s time we speak up, break stigma, and be heard.
Check out The Well Project's Spotlight on Jyoti.
