"We have a lady at our ashram called Gangamani, who is over 90 years old. She was just 17 years old when she got leprosy, and her family kicked her out. Back then, she was married and had kids. She had her whole life ahead of her, but the stigma of untouchability forced her to be left all alone in the world. That's when she came to this village. It's been 73 years, but nobody, not even her loved ones have ever come to see if she's alive or dead." - Moni Mahato

Home to abandoned and elderly leprosy survivors, this sanctuary is on the verge of ruin

Moni Mahato, a compassionate caregiver of the Prabhat Alloi Foundation, shares these heartfelt words as she oversees the health care of the residents of Nabakuthashram. This village is home to nearly 90 elderly individuals who have recovered from leprosy, but their struggles are far from over. The Prabhat Alloi Foundation and their volunteers, based in Dabar village, Purulia (West Bengal) work tirelessly to ensure their well-being.

However, these elderly residents are currently facing immense challenges. They live in deteriorating structures, isolated by societal stigma, and are vulnerable to abuse and theft. They are in urgent need of support to repair and rebuild their homes, providing them the life of dignity and respect they deserve.

"When we first encountered the residents of Nabakusthashram, they lay amidst their own distressing conditions, unable to care for themselves. They battled the challenges of recovering from leprosy, with no support. It took us hours to provide them with the care they needed." - Moni 

Considered 'Untouchables', these elderlies need assistance to exist with dignity

"The residents in Nabakusthashram, aged between 35 and 70, cannot carry out basic tasks. They can't cook, clean, or even step out of the village due to societal stigma. The foundation steps in to provide assistance by hiring individuals to perform these daily activities, ensuring that these elderly residents can live with dignity.” - Moni

Moreover, the Prabhat Alloi Foundation plays a vital role in providing essential medical supplies and support. They ensure that the residents receive the medicines they require. However, the residents continue to face tremendous stigma and discrimination from society. They are labeled as 'untouchables,' further isolating them within their own village. 

Unable to fend for themselves, they fall victim to abuse and theft because of their disabilities

But it's not just daily chores that these residents need help with. They face unspoken horrors almost every day. The need for security and safety is paramount.

“To protect them from miscreants, we hire watchmen, as these thugs and unruly individuals often loot their houses and try to steal their animals, such as goats, hens, and cattle. In many cases, because the houses are not strong enough, criminal-minded folk have even come and molested the women." - Moni

These elderly residents urgently require new buildings for shelter and a secure premises to protect them from harm

The situation is dire, and the urgency cannot be overstated. The elderly residents of Nabakusthashram need new buildings for a ladies' block, a men's block, a kitchen, a nursing center, and premises with proper fencing to protect them from abuse. The buildings they currently reside in, abandoned structures built by the British, have deteriorated over time and are now on the brink of collapse.

"The roofs of the huts have caved in, and it's very risky safety-wise for the people staying. We badly require funds to repair the houses and provide them a life of dignity and respect which they deserve." - Moni

These elderly individuals, who have already endured so much, deserve to live the rest of their lives with dignity and respect. Your support can make a world of difference to them.

Click here to contribute and help provide a safe and dignified life for these elderly residents. Your generosity will help mend their homes and rebuild their lives.