MNP + urges better deal for Pradipkumar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 08 2012: Hailing HIV positive muscleman Khundrapam Pradipkumar for winning the bronze in the Mr World competition in Bangkok, Manipur Network of Positive People ( MNP +) has urged the Government to give him better deal and ensure he is free from further fund crunch.

As Pradip (43) faced an acute fund constraint to procure his nutritional diet ahead of the world competition, various philanthropists, civil bodies, Manipur Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai Devi and Olympic bronze medalist MC Mary Kom extended monetary assistance to him.

A resident of Khamnam Leirak here, Pradip won the medal in the 65 kg category in the 4th WBPF world body building and physique championship for men and women currently underway in Bangkok .

"We are happy with Pradip's glory.

He has come out with flying colors.

Now he has sent a message to the whole world that we positive people can lead a healthy and dignified life," said L Deepak, president of Manipur Network of Positive People (MNP +) .

"Since he (Pradip) has become a global icon, the Government should at least give him a proper platform or an opportunity to ensure that he faces no financial problems in his future endeavors," opined Deepak whose organization has over 2000 HIV +ve members.

According to the latest report prepared by the Manipur Aids Control Society (Macs), the State has 42,116 HIV positive people including 11,778 women and 2773 children.

Incidentally Manipur is one of the six high HIV/Aids prevalence States of the country.

A brand ambassador of Macs, Pradip, revealed his status after winning the senior Mr Manipur title in December 2007 .

Besides winning Mr South Asia title held in Ludhiana last month, Pradip has also bagged a silver and a bronze in different National competitions and secured the 8th position in Mr World competition earlier.

The diminutive muscleman, who is on Anti Retroviral Therapy (Art) suffered financial breakdown after Macs stopped extending the aid of Rs 8000 per month from June this year.

Another predicament is the State Government's failure to appoint him as a regular employee in the Youth Affairs and Sports Department despite tall promises made by a Minister in 2009 .

Though Pradip was given the post on contract basis in the same department with a shoestring salary of around Rs 6000 per month, he quit the job on the plea that the meager amount could not meet his needs.

Comment