President stresses on removing misconceptions & stigma linked to leprosy
Monday, 28 March 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
The President Ram Nath Kovind said that untouchability based on caste and religion was abolished by Article 17 of the Constitution, but the centuries-old untouchability towards people afflicted with leprosy has not been completely eradicated even today. It is unfortunate that many misconceptions and stigma is still present in the society regarding this disease. The President was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the silver jubilee celebrations of Divya Prem Seva Mission in Haridwar on Sunday.
Kovind said that a person afflicted with leprosy should be accepted as an integral part of the family and society like a person affected by any other disease. Only by doing so, can we call our society and nation a sensitive society and nation, he said. The President further stressed that the psychological rehabilitation of leprosy patients is as important as their physical treatment. The parliament has passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act – 2016 under which the Indian Lepers Act 1898 has been repealed and discrimination against people afflicted by leprosy has been legally abolished. Persons cured of leprosy have also been included in the list of beneficiaries in the 2016 Act.
The President said that the youth of India can contribute to clearing misconceptions related to leprosy among the people. They can spread awareness among the people about the treatment of this disease through organisations like NSS. He urged the youth to take inspiration from exemplary examples of serving the leprosy afflicted people and also give their active contribution in eradication of social stigma associated with leprosy.
Kovind said that he has been witnessing the activities and development of Divya Prem Seva Mission since it started medical services for leprosy afflicted people in a thatched hut in Haridwar. Praising the founder of the mission, Dr Ashish Gautam, he said that it was not easy for a youth of Prayagraj to come to Haridwar two decades ago and establish this institution by going against the traditions of the society. But with his determination and perseverance, he has set an example.
The President noted that Divya Prem Seva Mission is undertaking various exemplary and commendable activities like clinic for treating leprosy patients, schools for children of socially marginalised leprosy patients, hostels for students specially for girls students and skill development centre, for the overall development of children residing there.
Uttarakhand governor Gurmit Singh and chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami among others were also present on the occasion.
