Let's dream of eradicating Leprosy in India

Did you know that India is home to 50% of the world’s leprosy cases ?! Leprosy is entirely curable, yet it continues to affect thousands due to delayed diagnosis, stigma, and inadequate healthcare access. Unfortunately, India not just has more cases than the rest of the world, but it also contributes to 59% of new cases !

In light of this, we’d like to shine a spotlight on Atma Swabhiman , a grassroots organization catering to leprosy patients in Jharkhand. It was started by Sailendra Prasad, who grew up in a leper colony on the outskirts of Dhanbad. His parents were afflicted with leprosy. He too contracted it at a young age, but with timely medical attention, he was able to recover from it.

Seeing the plight of patients in the colony, he banded with other youth to found the NGO in 2009. The organization collaborates with Goodbye Leprosy , established in 2013, to provide medical help, children’s education, skill development, and support women’s empowerment programs in the region. Their vision is to integrate people affected by leprosy into mainstream society, where they lead a life of dignity.

They share the story of Sandhya Mahato, who lost her husband to leprosy and had to support her household including young children. She got into scrap collection, but the work was physically demanding with poor returns. With guidance from the local self-help group, she now prepares snacks and sells them at a food stall. The income has helped manage her household and educate kids. She has become a role model for other women in the colony.

With March 20 being International Day of Happiness , IDS is pleased to support Atma Swabhiman’s efforts to bring happiness and hope in the lives of India’s lepers. We are thankful for your support - it enables the fight against this 5000+ year old disease, which continues to plague humankind in the 21st century!

Resonating with this happiness theme, IDS’ Monica Shah & Arusha Goyal organized a very successful Comedy Show as a fundraiser in Elmhurst, IL on Sunday, March 18. Comedian Vik Pandya and team provoked a lot of laughter amongst the hundred people in the audience, several of who were new to IDS. We look forward to our IDS family expanding as the next generation gets exposure to IDS’s work.