750 leprosy colonies in India still remain segregated from mainstream society: Official
New Delhi, Jan 26 (PTI): There are still 750 leprosy colonies in India that remain segregated from mainstream society, S Govindaraj, the Commissioner at the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), said on Sunday, emphasising the urgent need for collective efforts to break the stigma associated with leprosy.
Speaking at a virtual seminar on World Leprosy Day #, Govindaraj also addressed the legal challenges faced by individuals affected by the disease and urged comprehensive solutions to ensure their rights and dignity.
The seminar, organised by CCPD, brought together government officials, NGOs, medical experts, and advocates to address myths about leprosy and promote the inclusion of affected individuals.
Govindaj noted that 750 leprosy colonies in India remain segregated from mainstream society and called for collective efforts to end the discrimination associated with leprosy
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), described "leprosy-related untouchability as worse than caste-based discrimination".
Sharing his experiences from three decades ago in a leprosy colony in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, he highlighted how even family members often alienate those afflicted with the disease.
Aggarwal called for legal reforms, early detection, and robust rehabilitation measures to combat this issue.
S Sivasubramaniam, a senior scientist, revealed that India accounts for 53 per cent of global leprosy cases, stressing the need for community-based rehabilitation.
Shivkumar, a leprosy expert, added that 125 districts in 14 states continue to report significant cases, with Chhattisgarh leading the tally with 24 districts.
Advocacy and communication expert Nikita Sarah emphasiWed that leprosy is one of the easiest diseases to cure if detected early but continues to face stigma due to ignorance.
"It is not a deformity or disability, but the lack of awareness perpetuates these misconceptions," she said.
The seminar also featured Dr P Narasimha Rao, President of the International Leprosy Association, who elaborated on the medical challenges of leprosy elimination.
He pointed out that the disease, while rare in most parts of the world, remains a concern in India, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Shabnam Khan, a leprosy survivor, shared her journey of overcoming societal rejection to become her family's first graduate and live an independent life, offering a message of hope and resilience.
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Former diplomat, politicians come out in support of FS Misri after he faces online trolling
New Delhi (PTI): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who faced trolling on social media in the wake of India and Pakistan reaching an understanding on May 10 to halt all military actions, received support from veteran diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao and politicians Asaduddin Owaisi and Akhilesh Yadav.
Samajwadi Party chief Yadav wrote a long post on X in Hindi and said, such statements break the morale of honest officers who work day and night dedicated to the country.
"It is the government's responsibility to make decisions - not individual officers. Some anti-social criminal elements are openly crossing all limits of abusive language against the officer and his family, but neither the BJP government nor any of its ministers are coming forward to protect his honour and respect or discussing possible action against those who make such unwanted posts," wrote Yadav.
India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that brought the two countries teetering on the edge of a full-scale war.
Making the announcement on Saturday evening, Foreign Secretary Misri said the director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan agreed on the understanding during a call on Saturday afternoon, and the next talks are scheduled at 12 noon on May 12.
The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump in a surprise social media post claimed that the talks between the two sides were "mediated" by the US.
Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon called the trolling of the senior diplomat "utterly shameful" and said it "crosses every line of decency"
"It's utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. A dedicated diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve, and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification.
"Doxxing his daughter and abusing his loved ones crosses every line of decency. This toxic hate must stop—stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down. #StopTrollingMisri #SupportDiplomats #VikramMisri #IndianDiplomacy #NoToDoxxing," she posted on X.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Owaisi also came out strongly in support of Misri on Sunday.
"Mr Vikram Misri is a decent, honest, hard-working diplomat working tirelessly for our nation. Our civil servants work under the executive this must be remembered & they shouldn't be blamed for the decisions taken by the executive or any political leadership running Watan E Aziz," he posted on X.
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