Shantinagar is a home for the leper that is 4 hours away from the great Calcutta. Even though leprosy is believed by the government of India that has been eradicated this home is the proof that love and sacrifice has not gone out of fashion in this fast growing westernized city of joy, Calcutta.
Because of the social stigma that is conected with leprosy people are not well educated to the reality of this condition that is 100% curable. People choose to ignore their condition because of the fear to be exiled from their own homes and abandoned by their own family and conditions worsen to the point of death. If you are a leper, you know you are alone, completly alone.
In Shantinagar the lepers found a real home, somewhere that they are not looked as a sick person but as a human being. They are so grateful for the opportunity of a life. They are grateful for being touch while society considers them untouchables.
I believe that the closest I have been to heaven has been here in Shantinagar. Comunnity, love, friendship, acceptance, caring, solidarity, compassion, peace. If there is a heaven I am sure that it looks like it...or it feels like it.
Musically gifted
People call him the resurrector. He was given a second chance to live
here at Shantinagar.
Meet the men
Maria Rua, the spanish nun whose smile never gets tired or weary...
The clinic where major amputations take place once a week
nap time.
