I am Susheela , 60 years old. When I was diagnosed with leprosy, the pain I felt was not just from the disease it came from how people treated me. My neighbors avoided me, judged me, and acted like I didn’t belong in the community. That kind of rejection hurt more than anything else.
But I didn’t let it break me. With support from the SKSS and ALERT teams, I learned more about leprosy, how it spreads, how it can be cured, and most importantly, that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. They gave me the confidence to speak up and share the truth with others.
I began talking to my neighbors and explaining what I had learned. At first, they were unsure, but slowly, they started to understand. Today, I’m surrounded by a group of women who care for me like family.
Now, I feel proud and hopeful. I no longer live in fear or shame. I continue spreading awareness so that no one else has to suffer in silence like I once did. Thanks to knowledge and the support of SKSS and ALERT, I have found strength, respect, and peace.
Now, Susheela is truly happy. She often says, “No one should ever be discriminated against, it’s more painful than any illness.” Her story is a powerful reminder that knowledge can break barriers and that acceptance can heal wounds that medicine alone cannot. Through her courage and determination, Susheela has not only transformed her own life but also changed the hearts of those around her.
