Children of leprosy patients have now found a loving home in
Datta Bal Sevashram, writes
Pradeepkumar Kadkol.
The Hansen's disease, popularly known as leprosy, is one of the oldest diseases, dating back to the ancient civilisations of India, China and Egypt. It was also very rampant in 13th century in Europe. It is one of the most stigmatised diseases with the notoriety of being highly contagious and incurable. In ancient times, people suffering from this disease were sent to separate colonies.
Unfortunately, the same practice continues to this day, though the disease is now curable. The stigma and superstitious beliefs associated with the disease lead to discrimination of the affected patients and many of them resort to begging for survival. But what about their children? They are shunned by society as well as family members. Even if they are sent to school, they drop out due to discrimination in schools.
Under such circumstances, there is every possibility that these children will become anti-social elements. These children not only need basic facilities but also good culture and a family atmosphere. With the noble cause of transforming these children into good citizens in mind, Venkatesh Gurunayak started Shri Datta Bal Sevashram in the year 1985 at Devalganagapur village of Afzalpur taluk in Gulbarga district.
According to Gurunayak, the initial period was marked with innumerable challenges as leprosy patients and their family members hesitated to send their children to ashram out of fear that they might lose their children due to some reason. After several initial hiccups, the ashram began in a rented house with just eight children. These children were provided with free medical care, good nutrition, education, and lessons in yoga and meditation. Gradually, the ashram gained popularity and donations also started pouring in. Today the ashram has its own building situated in two acres of land with all facilities that the middle class children enjoy. Now there are over 70 students in the ashram studying in different classes, right from I standard to degree.
These children lead a disciplined life. Their day begins at 5.30 am with a prayer at 6 am and yogasana at 6.30 am. After breakfast, they go to school at 10 am. Mr Gurunayak is very particular about their health, so he never allows them to have mid-day meals at schools. During lunch hour these children come back to the ashram for lunch. After school hours, they play in the ashram premises for about an hour and assemble in the main hall for prayer at 6.30 pm. From 7 pm, they start their studies and have dinner at 8 pm. Later, the students of high school study till 11 pm while primary and secondary school students go to bed by 10 pm.
Apart from education, these students are also experts in yoga, recitation of shlokas and meditation. The ashram takes care of these children until they become capable of earning their livelihood. Later, they are free to choose their profession and lead an independent life. So far, over 35 students have gone out of the ashram and are serving the society in various capacities. A girl from the ashram is now working in the Delhi City Corporation.
Expressing his opinion about the performance of these children, Gurunayak says, “Though the children from the ashram haven’t reached great heights in life, they have atleast not become anti-social elements. They are leading an independent life by earning their livelihood.”
The Hansen's disease, popularly known as leprosy, is one of the oldest diseases, dating back to the ancient civilisations of India, China and Egypt. It was also very rampant in 13th century in Europe. It is one of the most stigmatised diseases with the notoriety of being highly contagious and incurable. In ancient times, people suffering from this disease were sent to separate colonies.
