About Us
In spite of the publicity and teaching regarding the treatability and mode of infection with leprosy, there is still a great deal of ignorance and prejudice in society against those who suffer or have suffered with the disease. This leads to rejection and refusal of basic needs both in the community and public areas like hospitals, schools and work places. And this is also true for those who have been affected by the disease like relatives of the infected persons.
Due to the stigma and rejection these people live in small colonies on the outskirts of towns and cities. These colonies are called leprosy colonies and are dotted all around India. At present, on an average, only about 30% of the people staying in these colonies are badly scarred and deformed. Others are less deformed, while many though alright, are ostracized because they are related to leprosy infected people. Because of this rejection they have no trade skill and find it difficult to get jobs or get self employed.
Due to these reasons these people have no alternative but to resort to begging for a livelihood.
The Karuna Charitable Trust was formed by a couple (Michael & Michelle D’Costa) who were led by God to work among the rejected & stigmatized leprosy affected people. The Karuna project, which means a project of compassion, was started with the Vision of “Sharing the Love of Jesus to give the leprosy affected a sense of worth & dignity, through acceptance and self reliance integrate them into society & church.”
And with the Mission of “Rehabilitating leprosy affected people”.
Led by God, Michael & Michelle choose the Gandhi Leprosy Colony at Gulbarga in the state of Karnataka in South India, to start the Karuna project. This colony has a population of around 300 people (men, women & children). The main occupation of this colony was & is begging. It also the aim of The Karuna Project to slowly but steadily reach out many such colonies all over India in the future.
