According to 2016 figures, there were more than 135,000 new cases, accounting for over 60% of the global total. To raise public awareness on this issue, India International Centre, Embassy of Japan and Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation together are holding an exhibition. Titled “Our Lives”, it showcases 90 pictures of cured leprosy patients by photographer Natsuko Tominaga of the Nippon Foundation, of which 50 are Indians while remaining are from other countries. Visiting four self-settled leprosy colonies — Allahabad’s Nav Nirman Kushth Ashram and Sai Baba Kushth Ashram, Ma Saraswati Kushth Ashram, Indore, and Hanuman Nagar Kushth Vasahat in Kalyan, Maharashtra, she interviewed and clicked several inmates of which 18 form a part of the exhibition. They wish for a life of dignity as part of the mainstream and not outside it,” sums up Natsuko.

Source: The Hindu April 24, 2018 07:52 UTC