When we think of leprosy, the first name that comes to mind is Baba Amte. Murlidhar Devidas Amte was an Indian social activist known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of people suffering from leprosy. 

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 includes ‘leprosy cured’ as a locomotor disability (a person's inability to execute distinctive activities associated with movement of self and objects resulting from affliction of musculoskeletal or nervous system or both). It’s defined as a person who has been cured of leprosy but

• Suffers from the loss of sensation in hands or feet as well as loss of sensation and paresis in the eye and eyelid 
• Manifests deformity and paresis while having sufficient mobility in their hand and feet to enable them to engage in normal economic activity 
• Suffers extreme physical deformity as well as advanced age which prevents them from taking up gainful occupation 

Leprosy is endemic in several states and union territories of India, with the annual case detection rate of 4.56 per 10,000 population. 

• Despite being cured of leprosy, people can still face challenges and discrimination due to the visible effects of the disease 
• Leprosy can cause physical deformities and disabilities that can impact a person's daily life 
• Leprosy cured people may face stigma and discrimination from others who are not aware that the disease is not contagious 

By raising awareness about leprosy and the reality of life for those who have been cured, we can help to reduce stigma and promote inclusion for all.

People with any leprosy scars can also contribute to society in many ways and can be valuable members of their communities. By focusing on a person's abilities instead of their disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society for all.

Bollywood heartthrob Dimple Kapadia was diagnosed with leprosy just a few months before she started shooting for ‘Bobby’. Thousands of people like Dimple can also overcome the leprosy stigma and go about life as usual! 

Here is an update on Leprosy cases in the country

Few organizations working in this area are:

Leprosy Mission Trust India 

Swiss Emmaus Leprosy Relief Work - India

Bombay Leprosy Project

Association of People affected by Leprosy

Sasakawa - India Leprosy Foundation