Once busy fighting the stigma associated with the disease, he now fights the battle for others and tries to dispel myths associated with the disease
Orphaned as a child, 68-year-old Ramakant Kamat's (name changed) life struggles didn't end there. He was discriminated and boycotted from his community ashram in 2011 in Haridwar when he was detected with leprosy.
However, carrying the triple burden of disease, discrimination and seeking a livelihood Kamat reached Mumbai. He was admitted in BMC run Acworth Hospital for Leprosy for two years. After he completed his treatment in 2013, he preferred to stay back and help other 80 senior citizens who are affected with leprosy and abandoned by society.
Once busy fighting the stigma associated with the disease, he now fights the battle for others and tries to dispel myths associated with the disease. Kamat never felt the need to return back to the surroundings and the city which ostracized him due to his ailment.
According to him, he maintains his health by exercising and follow a proper diet. Talking about his daily routine, he added, "I sometimes sit in the outpatient ward (OPD) to help with administrative work. During the weekends, I look after the needs of the people staying in the hospital. Writing and playing musical instruments are my hobbies. During festivals, we all come together like a big family and enjoy to the fullest."
Speaking about his journey, Ramakant who was diagnosed with multi-bacillary leprosy asserts, "Leprosy is a blessing for me. Now I can live an independent life. I was an orphan and stayed in the ashram since my childhood. When I was infected with leprosy eight years ago, the ashram people asked me to move out from the ashram immediately. Even if I go back now, I will have to live according to their terms and conditions in secluded space. Rather than going back, I am happy to stay with the other people in the hospital and help them in their everyday routine."
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