Why Support the Lepers

We asked Pastor P to help us understand more clearly the situation with the men and women living in our two leper colonies. Here is his response:

Here I speak a brief description of the difficult conditions faced by abandoned individuals affected by leprosy in India.

Across many parts of India, thousands of people affected by leprosy continue to live in deeply distressing and marginalized conditions—conditions shaped not just by illness, but by abandonment, stigma, and extreme poverty. Although leprosy is a fully curable disease today, social misconceptions have remained stronger than medical progress, pushing many into isolated pockets of society. Even though leprosy is scientifically understood and entirely curable, age-old myths persist. These misconceptions—labeling the disease as contagious, incurable, or a “curse”—keep affected individuals trapped in cycles of shame and exclusion.

For many, the greatest suffering is not the disease itself but the rejection that comes with it. Some are forced out of their homes, while others leave on their own after being made to feel unwelcome. As a result, they often take shelter on the outskirts of towns, roadside areas, or in makeshift colonies with little support and virtually no protection.

They do not receive any assistance, such as housing or food allowances, from the government. Now and then, only the medical treatment is provided for free in government hospitals. But the abandoned individuals often cannot access these services due to fear of discrimination, lack of transportation, or unawareness of available care. Many live with untreated ulcers, severe infections, and disabilities that could have been prevented with timely medical help.

Many abandoned individuals live in dilapidated huts, temporary sheds, or open spaces that cannot shield them from rain, heat, or cold. Without secure housing, they remain vulnerable to infections, injuries, and extreme weather. For those who have lost sensation in their limbs—a common condition caused by untreated leprosy—injuries often go unnoticed and become severe.

Basic necessities such as food, clean water, and clothing are often scarce. Many depend on irregular charity or long hours of begging to meet their daily needs. Torn or insufficient clothing is common, leaving them exposed to discomfort, illness, and indignity. They beg in the streets for used outfits and leftover food. Most of the people are afraid to come forward to help them as they feel leprosy is contagious and also a curse from God.

The emotional toll is profound. Being rejected by family and society leaves deep scars. Many struggle with loneliness, hopelessness, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

The abandoned lepers live in silence, and cry in silence as they have no hope that someone will come and help them. Because they are abandoned and neglected, no one, not even their own family members, comes to visit them, and their suffering is not just from the disease, but from rejection, stigma, and poverty. But by reaching out to them with a small gesture each month like a warm meal, new clothes, or a simple gift, can brighten their day and remind them that they are valued and not forgotten.

Your support can help provide food, clean water, and clothing to those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference and bring smiles, comfort, and hope to those who have long endured suffering in silence.