Joseph was born in Maruvathur Village. During his school days he was found to have leprosy. Because of the social stigma his school life was affected badly. He came to the Sacred Heart Leprosy Centre (SHLC) Kumbakonam in 1962 at the age of 14. With proper treatment he was cured and returned home.

He was not able to live in his own village due to the stigma and disability, so he left and went to work elsewhere. Then he returned to SHLC. In 1973 he married Sammanasu, who was also a leprosy patient. Their life was a struggle. His wife gave birth to a girl in 1978, they moved in search of work and their second girl was born in 1981. He came back to the centre as a ward orderly in the male surgical ward.

Then came a turning point in his life. He decided to start his own work. He approached the Rehabilitation Department of SHLC for financial assistance to purchase a bullock cart to transport children to their respective schools. The self employment gave him confi dence and he earned a decent living. At the same time others saw that he could not only lead his life but also contribute his mite to society. Due to his hard work, his ability to lead a decent life and capacity to educate his children, he received the Best Rehabilitated Person Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu in the years 1989 and 1991.

Gradually his economic condition improved. He purchased a plot of land and built his own house and both his daughters received education with assistance from SHLC. His elder daughter is married with a son and daughter and is headmistress of a middle school. His second daughter is headmistress of a primary school.

Mr Joseph is a role model for those suffering from leprosy. His selfconfidence and hard work are the major contributory factors for his success in life. Now he and his wife are senior citizens joyfully leading their life with their children and grandchildren.


Sister Mary Vinitha, Administrator Sacred Heart Leprosy Centre, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India