My name is Watchala Bai, and I am 72 years old. I was diagnosed with leprosy 45 years ago. At that time, people looked at me with fear and treated me like I didn’t belong. The disease was painful, but what hurt more was the rejection and loneliness. I felt like I had lost everything, my place in society, my confidence, and even my identity.
But I didn’t let that stop me. With proper treatment and the right support, I was cured. Still, I couldn’t forget the pain I went through,and I saw others suffering the same way. That’s when I decided to take action. Along with others, I helped start SKSS in Maharashtra. We wanted to make sure that no one else had to suffer in silence like we did.
Even today, I continue to work through SKSS to support leprosy-affected people. We help them get treatment, build their confidence, and feel accepted again. I visit villages, talk to families, and guide patients who feel lost, because I’ve been there too.
This work gives me purpose. I don’t just see myself as a survivor. I am someone who can bring change. My journey has taught me that healing is not just about medicine, it’s about love, dignity, and standing together as a community.
Watchala Bai’s life is a testament to the fact that true strength lies in lifting others up—even after facing hardship yourself. She is not just a survivor; she is a warrior, a leader, and a beacon of hope for many.
