On #WorldLeprosyDay, the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD)
hosted a virtual seminar bringing together experts, officials, and changemakers to combat leprosy stigma and highlight the
importance of awareness, early detection, and rehabilitation. Let’s unite for a leprosy-free future!
#Inclusion #Empowerment
The seminar was attended by government officials, NGOs, and specialists. Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), was the Chief Guest. Shri S. Govindaraj, Commissioner, was the Guest of Honour.
The event began with a Marathi prayer sung by Madhav Sable and translated into English by Shri Praveen Prakash Ambastha, Dy. CCPD. Shri Vikas Trivedi, Dy. CCPD, welcomed the participants, and Dr. Govindaraj delivered the inaugural address.
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal shared his early experiences with leprosy colonies, emphasizing the severe social stigma and the importance of early detection and legal reform. Shri S. Govindaraj called for collective efforts to reduce stigma, noting that 750 leprosy colonies in India remain segregated.
Dr. Sivasubramaniam revealed that India accounts for 53% of global leprosy cases and stressed the importance of community-based rehabilitation. Dr. Shivkumar clarified that leprosy is one of the least infectious diseases and shared statistics from affected districts.
Ms. Nikita Sarah described leprosy as easily curable if detected early and highlighted how ignorance contributes to stigma. Dr. P. Narasimha Rao explained the biological uniqueness of leprosy and its presence in Brazil, India, and Indonesia.
Ms. Shabnam Khan, a leprosy survivor, shared her inspiring journey of resilience, becoming her family’s first graduate despite societal rejection.
The seminar concluded with a unified call for greater awareness, early detection, and rehabilitation support.
