Pune, April 28 (IANS) In a noble initiative, a city-based social organisation organised the wedding of an HIV-infected tribal couple Thursday.
The initiative was taken by Suryoday Aids Foundation (SAF), an institution working for  HIV infected people.
 
 Blessing the couple - Sushma and Sachin - on their wedding day, SAF founder Bhaiyyuji Maharaj said he wanted them to lead a normal life.
 
 "I want the bride and the groom to lead a normal life. I wanted to lead them from darkness to light and give them a better life," he said.
 
 According to an SAF official, Sushma had recently sought help from the foundation's office in Pune. She was infected by HIV after she was raped and exploited by three men for over a year.
 
 The foundation came into contact with Sachin through a matrimonial service provided by another such organisation.
 
 SAF's Maharashtra president Punit Balan and his wife Rashmi gave away the bride through the 'kanyadaan' ceremony.
 
 The Balans, who got married only a week ago, said it was an honour for them to give away the bride.
 
 "I hope the newly married couple will live with their head held high in the mainstream society. I also hope that they do well in their married life and take appropriate precautions to have healthy, HIV negative children," said Punit.