Compassion and Health at Tahirpur Leprosy Ashram
Special Health Initiative by Sadhan Foundation at Asia’s Largest Leprosy Colony on World Leprosy Day

Medical Care with Compassion: Assistive Devices Distribution Restores Confidence Among Hundreds

Special Correspondent | Arun Sharma East Delhi | Tahirpur

On the occasion of World Leprosy Day, Asia’s largest leprosy colony at Tahirpur, Delhi, witnessed a remarkable display of humanity, dignity and social inclusion, as the Sadhan Foundation organised a comprehensive health camp and assistive devices distribution programme.


The initiative reaffirmed that healthcare is not merely about treatment, but equally about acceptance, respect and reintegration into society. For many residents, the event emerged as a ray of hope—especially for those who have battled social stigma longer than the disease itself.


The central message of the programme was loud and clear:
“Eradicate discrimination, not the patient.”


Dr. Vasant Goyal: Leprosy Is Curable, Stigma Is the Real Disease
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vasant Goyal, Special Guest and CEO of Goyal Medicos, underlined the urgent need to change societal perceptions.


“Leprosy is no longer a medical challenge—it is a social one. The disease is completely curable, but fear and misinformation still persist. Camps like these heal not only the body, but also the mindset of society,” he said.


Dr. Goyal emphasised that treatment becomes complete only when medicine is accompanied by dignity and compassion, describing Sadhan Foundation’s work as a vital bridge between healthcare and humanity.


World Leprosy Day: A Global Call for Awareness
Observed every year on the last Sunday of January, World Leprosy Day aims to:
Eliminate myths and fear surrounding leprosy
Spread awareness that leprosy does not spread by touch
Highlight that early diagnosis and treatment can fully cure the disease
End social exclusion and discrimination against patients
Mahatma Gandhi, who devoted himself to the service of leprosy patients, regarded their care as the highest form of human service, making this day a global symbol of compassion and equality.
Government Initiatives: A Strong Push Towards Elimination
The Government of India continues to make sustained efforts to eliminate leprosy through:
National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
Free Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)
Early detection and disability prevention services
Distribution of assistive devices and rehabilitation support
Social reintegration and livelihood-linked welfare schemes
These initiatives have resulted in a steady decline in leprosy cases across the country, marking a significant public health achievement.


Ceremonial Inauguration with Spiritual Undertones
The programme commenced with lamp lighting and Gayatri Mantra chanting, symbolising hope and renewal.
Prominent attendees included:
Dr. Sudarshan Mandal, Senior Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Vasant Goyal
Dr. Harinder Singh
Former Dilshad Garden Mandal President Vikas Handa
Councillor Representative Vinod Pawar
Ashok Kumar, Founder, Sadhan Foundation
Dr. Rashmi Gupta, General Secretary
Advocate Vinay Kumar
Street Play Sparks Social Consciousness
Students from S.S. Moral Education & Training Institute presented a compelling street play that deeply moved the audience.
The message resonated powerfully:
“Society is crippled not by leprosy, but by discrimination.”
The performance proved to be an effective medium of health education and social awakening.
Assistive Devices Bring Back Smiles
During the health camp, leprosy-affected and differently-abled individuals were provided with:
Mobility-support devices
Daily-life assistive equipment
These tools not only enhanced physical mobility, but also restored self-esteem, independence and confidence among beneficiaries.


Behind the Mission: Collective Effort
The success of the programme was made possible by the dedicated efforts of Krishna Murari, Seema Singh, Avinash Singh, Kirti Gupta, Dr. Mayank Kansal, Avdhesh Gupta, Geeta Gupta, along with numerous volunteers, patients and local residents.
Unified Praise for Sadhan Foundation
Speakers unanimously lauded Ashok Kumar and the entire Sadhan Foundation team, stating:
“Those who choose to live and work alongside leprosy patients keep the flame of humanity alive. They remind society of its moral responsibility.”


Conclusion
The event at Tahirpur Leprosy Ashram powerfully demonstrated that the fight against leprosy cannot be won by medicines alone, but through awareness, empathy and inclusion.
This is the true spirit of World Leprosy Day—
Humanity. Equality. Inclusion.