People with disabilities—now respectfully called Divyangan—face varied societal responses, ranging from indifference to deep empathy. Among them, Leprosy Cured but Deformed Persons (LCDPs) continue to suffer stigma and exclusion, despite being medically cured. Public perception, shaped by outdated laws and misconceptions, remains a major barrier to their reintegration. Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, through its Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) initiatives since 1988, has strived to restore respect, identity, and societal acceptance for LCDPs.
One such initiative is organizing Tirtha Yatras in collaboration with SAKSHAM Savita, offering LCDPs and their families spiritual enrichment and community integration. From 31st March to 8th April 2025, the Math and SAKSHAM Savita conducted the second Kashi Yatra with 18 LCDPs and 15 family members/attendants, visiting Kashi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Gaya. This Holy Yathra was made possible by the generous support of Kamadhenu Charities Trust functionaries—Shri P. Sankar, Shri A.G. Sankarakrishnan, Shri R. Gurumurthy, Shri P.S. Parameshwaran, Shri Albert, Shri Sundar, Shri Seetharaman, and Shri Varadhan (retired Senior Officer, National Leprosy Eradication Programme) and his family—Smt. Gayathri and Smt. Srinidhi Sathyanarayana, Secretary, SAKSHAM Tamil Nadu.
To honour these supporters, Sri Ramakrishna Math held a felicitation ceremony on 12th April 2025 at Swami Tapasyananda Hall. The program featured devotional hymns by Smt. Meenakshi Bhai and Smt. Samundeswari, reflections by Shri N. Rajesh (Volunteer), and heartfelt testimonies from LCDPs. Special guests Shri Sankarji, Shri Varadhan, and Smt. Gayathri also spoke on the profound impact of the Yatra.
Mementos were presented as tokens of gratitude, while Kamadhenu Charities distributed Health Mix Flour to support LCDP wellness. The event concluded with a benedictory address by Swami Sathyaprabhanandaji Maharaj of the Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence.