A Sanctuary of Hope: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Praises Six Decades of Compassionate Care at Leprosy Rehabilitation Ashram

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai offers green fodder to a cow during his visit to the Indian Leprosy Relief Association Ashram at Sothi (Katrenagar), highlighting the institution’s integrated approach to humanitarian service, animal care and environmental stewardship-Photo credit -channel24india.com Via CG/PR

Key factors

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the Indian Leprosy Relief Association Ashram at Sothi (Katrenagar), Janjgir-Champa.
  Described the institution as a “living pilgrimage of humanity, compassion and selfless service.”

• Flagged off a new ambulance and inspected Sant Guru Ghasidas Hospital.

• Praised the Ashram’s integrated rehabilitation model combining healthcare, vocational training and livelihood generation.
  The institution has been serving leprosy patients for more than 60 years.

• Operates a 20-bed hospital providing free treatment, medicines, accommodation and rehabilitation.
  Nearly 75 residents currently live at the Ashram with support from 120 staff and volunteers.

• Vocational programs include organic farming, tailoring, computer training, welding, driving and handicrafts.
  More than 300 people benefited from a health camp and cancer screening organised during the Chief Minister’s visit.
  
• The institution has facilitated over 10,000 cataract surgeries through government-supported health initiatives.
  

Chief Minister Hails Indian Leprosy Relief Association Ashram as a Living Example of Humanity, Dignity and Self-Reliance

Raipur: Describing service to humanity as the highest form of worship, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the Indian Leprosy Relief Association (Bharatiya Kushtha Nivarak Sangh) Ashram at Sothi (Katrenagar) in Janjgir-Champa district for transforming the lives of people affected by leprosy through treatment, rehabilitation, dignity and self-reliance on Thursday July 2, 2026 .

During his visit to the institution, the Chief Minister said the Ashram is far more than a healthcare centre—it is a “living pilgrimage of humanity, compassion and selfless service” that embodies the Indian philosophy of “Nar Seva Hi Narayan Seva” (Service to Humanity is Service to God).

A Center of Care Beyond Medical Treatment

Welcomed by the Ashram’s management and residents, the Chief Minister met Ashram head Sudhir Dev, who briefed him on the institution’s healthcare services, rehabilitation programs and community outreach initiatives that have been running for over six decades.

The Chief Minister offered prayers at the Siddhi Vinayak Temple within the Ashram premises for the prosperity and well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh. He also paid floral tributes to the institution’s founder, the late Sadashiv Govind Katre, whose vision laid the foundation for one of India’s most respected leprosy rehabilitation centres.

As part of the visit, CM Sai flagged off a newly provided ambulance, inspected the Ashram’s hospital facilities, visited the cowshed where he offered fodder to cows, and distributed gifts to the residents.

Restoring Dignity Alongside Healthcare

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai interacts with Ashram residents and well-wishers during his visit to the Indian Leprosy Relief Association Ashram on Thursday July 2, 2026 , where he praised the institution’s six decades of dedicated service in healthcare, rehabilitation and social inclusion for people affected by leprosy-Photo Credit -channel24india.com via CG/PR

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said leprosy has historically brought not only physical suffering but also social discrimination and isolation. He praised the institution for embracing patients as members of one family and restoring their confidence, dignity and self-respect.

He noted that the Ashram provides free medical treatment, medicines, accommodation, nutritious food, clothing and rehabilitation services while simultaneously creating opportunities for patients to become economically independent through skill development and self-employment.

“Helping a person stand on their own feet with dignity is among the greatest forms of service,” the Chief Minister remarked.

A Model of Sustainable Rehabilitation

The Chief Minister also appreciated the institution’s integrated approach to rehabilitation and environmental conservation.

Spread across nearly 60 acres, the Ashram combines healthcare with organic farming, horticulture, dairy management and vocational training. Residents are trained in activities such as chalk making, carpet weaving, rope manufacturing, tailoring, computer education, welding, driving and organic fertilizer production.

These programs provide patients with sustainable livelihood opportunities while enabling them to reintegrate into society with confidence.

Chief Minister Sai said the Ashram represents a balanced model where healthcare, livelihood generation, environmental conservation and community welfare go hand in hand.

Healthcare Reaches Beyond the Campus

The institution regularly organizes free medical camps and outreach programs in surrounding villages, extending healthcare services to remote communities.

The Chief Minister also inspected Sant Guru Ghasidas Hospital, located within the Ashram campus, reviewing facilities including the Outpatient Department (OPD), pathology laboratory, billing section, X-ray unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and operation theatre.

He further visited a mobile cancer screening vehicle operated by the Dhanvantari Jan Kalyan Samiti Society, Raipur, which is expanding access to preventive healthcare in rural areas.

During the health camp organised on the day of the visit, more than 300 people underwent medical examinations, including cancer awareness and screening. The Ashram also conducts regular health camps and awareness programs in nearby schools and villages.

Six Decades of Service

Founded on 5 April 1962 by social worker and leprosy survivor Sadashiv Govind Katre, the Indian Leprosy Relief Association Ashram was established with the vision of restoring dignity to people affected by leprosy and integrating them into mainstream society.

Today, it has evolved into one of the country’s recognized centers for leprosy treatment and rehabilitation.

The institution operates a 20-bed hospital providing free treatment, medicines, dressings, accommodation, food and other essential healthcare services. It is equipped with modern pathology and X-ray facilities, while patients requiring specialised care are referred to higher medical institutions.

Currently, the Ashram is home to 75 male and female residents, supported by around 120 dedicated staff and volunteers.

Beyond healthcare, the institution also supports education for patients’ children and offers computer and tailoring training to local youth, contributing to wider community development.

With support from government agencies, the Ashram has facilitated more than 10,000 successful cataract surgeries over the years and continues to undertake awareness programs and treatment initiatives for leprosy and other serious diseases.

Recognition for Outstanding Service

The Chief Minister noted that the institution was honored with the State-level Yati Yatnalal Award in 2025 for its outstanding contribution to humanitarian service, non-violence and cow protection.

He said such institutions translate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” into meaningful action by serving every individual without discrimination.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the principle of Antyodaya—uplifting the last person in society— CM Vishnu Deo Sai said organisations like the Indian Leprosy Relief Association serve as a vital bridge between government initiatives and community welfare, he added.