Date: 9 October 2025
Location: Anantapur Leprosy Colony, Andhra Pradesh
During My visit, I interacted with Krishna Reddy Garu, a respected leader in the colony.
Krishna Raddy Garu, 55, was born into a well-off family in Andhra Pradesh and lived a happy childhood until his life took a painful turn at the age of 10. When white patches appeared on his skin, he was diagnosed with leprosy-a word that brought fear and stigma to his family. The rejection was heartbreaking.
Krishna recalls with emotion, “My own amma hesitated to touch me—even to give me a glass of water.” Shunned and abandoned, he left home and spent years on the streets, surviving through begging, loneliness, and hunger.
His life changed when he found a group of people who were facing loneliness and isolation like him due to leprosy, he took charge of the group and made it as a family then shifted to a leprosy colony and care center. During his hospital visits, he met Rajia, a fellow survivor, who became his life partner. Together they built a home, raised three children, and are now proud grandparents.
Despite his struggles, Krishna chose not to live for himself. Today, as the respected leader of his colony, he uses whatever little he earns from begging to help support the 35 families living there. His dream is to ensure that the next generation, especially the girls,receive education and opportunities that he was denied.
He says with quiet determination, “I couldn’t study or live like others, but I want every girl in this colony to go to school, get a job to live with dignity. I want to live for them.”
Others in the colony speak of him with deep affection and respect. One resident shared, “Reddy mamma is living for us. He never keeps anything for himself- whatever he gets, he shares with everyone in the colony.”
Krishna Raddy garu’s story is one of pain transformed into purpose. Once abandoned, he now stands as a pillar of hope and humanity- proving that true leadership comes not from power or wealth, but from compassion, courage, and selfless love.