Colony residents making incense

The Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (SILF) was established in 2007 to eliminate discrimination against people affected by leprosy and to allow them to regain their dignity. The microloan program forms the core of the foundation’s operations and is now fully underway.

The program provide small loans to those affected by leprosy who are currently living in colonies, in order to encourage then to create new businesses, thereby becoming self-sufficient. So far, funding has been approved for thirty eight projects involving multiple families and six individual projects. These ambitious initiatives include candle and incense production and plans to raise livestock.

Finished candles

In October, SILF staff visited two of the newly-funded colonies in Dehradun, capital of the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. Located approximately six hours by train from New Delhi, Dehradun has a population of approximately 8.4 million, surrounded by the spectacular Himalayas. It has been a center for weaving and handicrafts since ancient times.

Residents making candles

The first colony visited, called the Rotary, is home to some 50 people. The colony features carefully tended vegetation, a temple, and wells. In August, the residents received expert training in incense making, after which they began production in the square in front of the temple. According to one resident, the training was relatively easy. The next challenge they face is how to sell the finished products.

A visit to the Rotary colony

The other colony visited, Shiv Colony, is smaller. All 16 residents here are hard at work making candles. Dehradun is a location sacred to Hindus and has the highest in the nation demand for candles, since they are used in religious festivals, as well as for lighting during the frequent power outages. The candle-making here began with one resident, then spread throughout the colony. One man proudly displayed the candles he had made and spoke enthusiastically of hopes to give up begging and to establish a livelihood selling his own handiwork.

One characteristic feature of the funding program is the way in which colony residents are assisted by SILF staff and experts in community development. The residents are encouraged to identify an activity they want to pursue, to complete the application forms, and to begin working on their own. According to SILF executive director Vineeta Shanker, colony residents subjected to economic and social discrimination for most of their lives face various difficulties in forming business plans and establishing the budgets needed to achieve their independence. Another staff member remarked on the difficulties faced by residents when opening bank accounts, adding that funds sometimes take longer than scheduled to arrive.

Three SILF staff members traveled to various colonies around India to discuss the program concept and explain procedures for financial transactions. Staff member Kumar Sanjeev, who accompanied them on their visit to Dehradun, explained how they hoped to help colony residents become more independent through business instruction provided in workshops, with consultants assuming intermediary roles.

SILF, which was established with a grant from The Nippon Foundation, is today one of the brightest hopes for the lives of Indians affected by leprosy.