In January 2000, Usha and I were assigned the shantytown of Garoba Medan by Nagpur’s head of Leprosy control. Our mission was clear: as independent leprosy paramedics with a newly registered charity, we were to find women affected by leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, and provide help tailored to their individual needs.
Our initial efforts were humble yet impactful. We repaired homes, dressed ulcers, delivered cooked meals, and covered medical expenses. While these provisions were crucial, we soon discovered that companionship was an essential need. Hansen’s Disease had stripped these women of the simple joys of kindness and affection. They had lived for decades feeling utterly alone, despite being in communities teeming with life.
This realisation motivated us to prioritise companionship alongside practical support. As the years passed, WIN grew in scope and impact. We addressed a variety of issues and needs, but the theme of loneliness remained a constant concern among those we supported.
Panchafula: A Journey from Isolation and Despair to Improved Health and Happiness
A Story of Transformation
Panchafula’s story is a familiar one to WIN, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women in distress. Over the past 25 years, WIN has encountered thousands of women who have been forced to live lonely and unhappy lives due to various societal and personal challenges. Panchafula, now 70 years old, has faced more than her fair share of hardships.
Panchafula's life took a difficult turn early on. She was married off in an arranged marriage, a common practice in her community. However, her marriage was far from happy. Her husband was an alcoholic and frequently subjected her to violence. Despite the turmoil, Panchafula remained resilient and tried to make the best of her situation.
When her husband passed away, Panchafula found herself in an even more precarious position. With no other means of support, she took up work as a cleaner to provide for her family. Unfortunately, her life was further complicated when she developed Vitiligo, a non-infectious autoimmune disorder that causes the loss of skin color in patches. Due to widespread misconceptions about the condition, Panchafula struggled to find work, which made it difficult to support her children.
With no other options and to her great embarrassment, Panchafula was forced to beg to feed her children. Despite these humiliations, she persevered for the sake of her family.
Her sacrifices were not in vain, as her children grew up and began to forge their own paths in life. Her daughter married and had children, while her son, despite his own struggles with alcoholism and psychosis, lived with Panchafula.
The stigma associated with mental illness and Vitiligo left Panchafula isolated within her community. The weight of these challenges took a toll on her mental health, leading to a deep depression. At one point, Panchafula even contemplated suicide, feeling utterly hopeless and alone.
It was during this dark period that WIN’s social worker, Rama, discovered Panchafula during a routine community health survey. Rama’s intervention provided Panchafula with a lifeline. Through WIN, Panchafula received the support and resources she needed to begin rebuilding her life. The organisation helped her find a sense of community and belonging and provided her with the means to regain her dignity and independence.
Through your support and WIN’s intervention Panchafula is optimistic about the future
During the last two months since meeting Panchafula her life has improved significantly. Meeting with our psychiatrist she and her son are receiving psychiatric medication that has had a massive impact on their wellbeing. Panchafula’s son is taking care of himself and can work a few days a week. His alcoholism is being addressed with the support of a de-addiction programme also provided by our psychiatrist.
A full medical assessment by our medical officer revealed a heart problem that Panchafula was unaware of. She is receiving medication to control this as well as psychiatric treatment to reduce her depression.
WIN is also helping with the cost of food and general goods until both Panchafula and her son are fully rehabilitated and able to earn on their own. Planning Ahead: WIN’s team have already gained local support for Panchafula and addressed misconceptions about her health. They are looking into small business enterprise options that Panchafula can operate from home.
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