- “Leprosy work is not merely medical relief, it is transforming frustration of life into joy of dedication, personal ambition into selfless service. …”- Mahatma Gandhi
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Mangaluru: Leprosy has a unique dimension. In no other disease are individuals made to leave their families and forced to live as outcasts. For many affected by leprosy, overcoming the infection is not sufficient to allow their return to a previous lifestyle. Until recently, those abandoned by their families were cared for in institutions. Since the treatment lasted for many years, for them the institution was a point of no return. Such institutional approach was considered “rehabilitation.” Through social and economic rehabilitation, people cured of leprosy are helped to regain their dignity. They are helped to find productive employment, to contribute to the economy and to find their place in the community. One such institution is Father Muller Charitable Institutions, which started the St Joseph Leprosy Hospital 125 years ago, and also the ‘Rehabilitation Unit” fifty years ago has done tremendous service towards the lepers, and have made them feel like they are also part of the community, with no difference.
To mark the glorious 125 service towards the patients with leprosy at St Joseph Leprosy Hospital, and also 50 golden years helping the lepers regain their dignity at ‘Rehabilitation Unit”, a grand celebration was held on Saturday, 11 April at the Father Muller Institution’s Academy Hall. The chief guest for the occasion was U T Khader – Minister for Health and Family Welfare-Karnataka; presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza- Bishop of Mangaluru, with guests of honour namely- Vimala Patel- Joint Director, State Leprosy Officer-Karnataka, Dr Sr Matilda Monteiro- Provincial Superior of Sisters of Charity, Mangaluru Province.
The glittering celebrations began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer dance performed by Dija and group of Nursing department, followed by a welcome address delivered by Fr Patrick Rodrigues-Director, Fr Muller Charitable Institutions. The function was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Bishop Aloysius P D’Souza, along with rest of the dignitaries on the dais, which was followed by the presentation of History and Activities of St Joseph Leprosy Hospital and Rehabilitation Unit through audio-video display, which was prepared by Dr Nandakishore.
Guest of honour, Vimala Patel addressing the gathering said, “It’s a honour for me to be invited by the management of Fr Muller Institutions as a guest of honour on this auspicious occasion- I feel immensely proud. Taking up the post as joint Director – state leprosy officer in the state I also feel proud to be associated with the patients affected with leprosy, although my prior profession being a gynaecologist. When we think about the lepers it is sad to note that they are not cared in the society, even by their family members and relatives. I am happy to be associated with the lepers and will do my best to provide them the best facilities they need from my department. For the work and service that St Joseph Leprosy Hospital has done towards the leprosy patients for the last 125 years, I will surely recommend SJLH for National Award during my forthcoming meet with the President of India at a convention. This hospital deserves all the compliments and merits for all that they do for the lepers. Like the hospital always mentions about Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, I would be happy that they include my name too (in a lighter side of vein). God bless this institution and St Joseph Leprosy Hospital”. As a kind gesture towards the lepers, Patel had brought a few self-aid kits which were distributed to the inmates present at the function.
Sr Matilda Monteiro speaking said, “Words can’t express how happy and proud I feel to be part of this celebrations, mainly for the reason that the Sisters of Charity have contributed yeomen service for the past 125 years at this hospital serving and caring for the lepers. Today we celebrate success of this great hospital in the field of service and commitment towards the patients with leprosy. When others stayed away from treating and caring for these neglected people, the dedicated and committed Sisters, nurses/staff came forward and cared for them-these people need to be complimented for their service. May God bless this hospital and the people who run it”.
Minsiter UT Khader addressing the gathering said,” St Joseph Leprosy Hospital run by the prestigious and well-known Fr Muller Charitable Institutions has come a long way caring and treating the leprosy patients. Also nice to note that not only they took care of the lepers, they rehabilitated them and made them better persons in the society. Without any doubt I can say that St Joseph Leprosy Hospital is the best leprosy hospital not only in Mangaluru but in India too. Recently although the Karnataka government had presented the best hospital award to this hospital, I will try my best that the Union government also recognizes and present this hospital with a national award”
He further said, “Knowing that many lepers are getting rehabilitated I will take keen interest and initiative to see that more jobs are offered to leprosy patients. You should all know that Karnataka is the only state that is offering BPL and APL cards, where the card holders can avail free medical aid from the government for major diseases. We are also in the process of launching Accident Insurance Plan, where an accident victim will be provided with medical expenses of Rs 25,000 for 24-48 hrs. Also on April 15, bike ambulance service will be launched by the chief minister. I extend my sincere compliments and thanks to Fr Muller Charitable Institutions for their contribution towards the leprosy patients.”
Addressing the gathering Bishop Dr Aloysius said, “I extend my highest praises for the doctors, Sisters, nurses and other staff who strive hard in taking care of the leprosy patients. They all deserve loud applaud from everyone for their dedicated service and commitment towards the lepers. Today is a occasion where their service is recognized and appreciated for all that they have done to the lepers all these years. I also thank and compliment the Sisters of Charity for following in the footsteps of Mother Teresa in taking care of these leprosy patients for the last 125 years. We know that not many people come forward to take care of the lepers, but these dedicated and selfless folks have done a yeomen service in the life of these patients and cured them. A job well done and I pray to God to shower his blessings on this hospital and staff for great job of treating leprosy patients”
During the occasion, the former directors were felicitated. Doctors who had served in the leprosy department were also felicitated, and also the staff who have served in the leprosy hospital and Rehabilitation Unit for over ten years were felicitated. A souvenir to commemorate the occasion was also released by the Bishop.
Fr Patrick Rodrigues who was reluctant to accept the felicitation requested that The bishop be felicitated instead who is also the president of Father Muller Charitable Institutions- Minister U T Khader and Vimala Patel on behalf of the government did the honours.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Administrator of FMMCH/Convener, Fr Richard Coelho, and the entire function was compered by Mitchell Lewis and Samatha M Swamy. The formal function concluded with the Institution anthem, followed by cultural programme. Like every Fr Muller Hospital event concludes with the Institution Anthem, I too have made a habit of concluding my reports with Fr Muller Institution Anthem, and also for the reason I like the lyrics and the soothing tune of the anthem:
We come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal
We come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal.
Let a mighty chorus swell and soar beyond the skies
As white robed bands with healing hands to daily tasks arise,
And eager limbs await their hour with aching, grim surmise
While fading visions float before half open, gleamless eyes.
Let the name Augustus Muller proudly write in gold
Flame across Karnatak’s vast and Bharat’s millions hold,
In admiration of his zeal whose vision bright & bold
In Mangalore’s fair bosom raised its home of peace untold.
Hail! dear home where tender care beguiles disease and pain
Where love divine inspires & lifts the failing heart or brain.
Live on and grow till human kind its destiny attain
And healing reach on wheels and wings the distant home or plain.
Come, Doctor, live your noble Hippocrate’s bequest
Come, Nurse, by Nightingale inspired, forget your broken rest,
Come all who soothe in ways unsung Humanity’s unrest
Let’s all as one, with love pursue the toil by millions blest.
People with disabilities need to be made equal partners in our nation-building enterprise.