There has been a decline in the cases of leprosy in India, but the social stigma associated with it and the challenge of dignified rehabilitation of the affected people have still not completely ended. Even after treatment, there are a large number of people who have to face distance, neglect and rejection from the society more than the disease.
At such a time, the Bharatiya Leprosy Prevention Association Ashram located at Sothi (Katrenagar) in Janjgir-Champa district of Chhattisgarh emerges as a model, where leprosy patients are being given not only treatment but also shelter, rehabilitation, skills and an opportunity for a self-reliant life. CM Vishnu Dev Sai Visited here to know about the situation.
Healthcare and social rehabilitation
This nearly six decade old institute has now become not just a leprosy treatment center but also a center for health services, social rehabilitation and community cooperation. Established on April 5, 1962 by the late Sadashiv Govind Katre, a social worker and himself affected by leprosy, the aim of this ashram from the very beginning has been to connect the patients with the mainstream of the society and to provide them a dignified life. This is why this ashram of Sothi is being seen as a model of dignity-based rehabilitation, going beyond charity or sympathy.
The ashram has a 20-bed hospital, where leprosy patients and needy people are provided free treatment, medicine, bandage, food, clothes and accommodation. There are also facilities like lab and X-ray for testing. If necessary, patients are sent to bigger hospitals. Currently 75 patients are living here and about 120 people are engaged in their care.
Ashram is not limited to just treatment
This ashram is not limited to just treatment, but also teaches people to stand on their own feet. Here, tasks like farming, gardening, chalk, carpet, rope making, sewing, computer, welding and driving are taught, so that the patients can become self-reliant. Their children’s education is also taken care of.
The Ashram also organizes free health and eye check-up camps from time to time. Till now more than 10 thousand cataract operations have been done. In the health camp organized on Wednesday, more than 300 people were examined and awareness was also given about serious diseases like cancer.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai visited the Ashram on Wednesday and took information about the service activities, medical facilities and rehabilitation works of the institution. Describing the ashram as a true pilgrimage of humanity, compassion and service, he said that leprosy has not only been a cause of physical pain but also of social neglect and discrimination.
Respect, Security and Confidence
It is a big responsibility of the society to give such people an opportunity to live life with respect, security and confidence. The Chief Minister also inspected the Sant Guru Ghasidas Hospital located in the Ashram premises and said that making a person stand on his feet with self-respect is the biggest service to the society.
Sothi Ashram is not just a local organization in Chhattisgarh, but it is a powerful example of a humanitarian development model where public health, social justice and dignity-based rehabilitation go hand in hand. At a time when the discussion of development is often limited to roads, buildings and investment, Sothi Ashram shows that the real progress of a society is determined by how much respect, support and self-reliance it is able to provide to its most neglected and deprived people.
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