Leprosy Book by Dr. Derek Released at Father Muller
Mangaluru: The Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College, in collaboration with the Karavali Dermatology Society, organized a distinguished event—the book release of Heroes & Heroines of 20th Century Leprosy Work in India—on 22 March 2025 in the Decennial Memorial Hall, Knowledge Centre, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Kankanady. The event was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI; Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director-Designate of FMCI; and esteemed guest Mr. Gaurab Sen (CEO – Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation), New Delhi.
The book, authored by Dr. Derek A. Lobo (Governing Board Member of FMCI and former Advisor for Leprosy & Other Diseases Targeted for Elimination/Eradication, WHO, and Member – Board of Trustees of the Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation, New Delhi) and Dr. Mohan D. Gupte (Former Chair – WHO Technical Advisory Group on Leprosy, Retired Founder Director – Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai), highlights the contributions of 45 heroes and heroines and 16 institutions/organizations involved in 20th-century leprosy work in India, including Fr. Augustus Muller, the founder of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.
Rev. Fr. Augustus Muller, who started St. Joseph Leprosy Hospital in 1890 and devoted his entire life to alleviating the suffering of leprosy patients, is one of the heroes featured in the book. It was a momentous occasion, as the first book release program was held at our institution.
Dr. Derek A. Lobo, a veteran in the field of leprosy and public health, was honored for his 55 years of dedicated service. His remarkable career spans leadership roles with WHO, Emmaus-Switzerland, and the German TB/Leprosy Association, focusing on the elimination of neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis, and filariasis. Dr. Derek Lobo has also received several prestigious awards, including the Eminent Aloysian Award and the RACHANA Award in 2008.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Jacintha Martis, Professor & Head of the Department of Dermatology, Father Muller Medical College, highlighting the significance of the book in acknowledging and preserving the legacy of individuals who contributed immensely to leprosy control and eradication in India.
Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI, released Heroes & Heroines of 20th Century Leprosy Work in India along with all the members on the dais.
Dr. Nandakishore B, former Professor and Head of the Department of Dermatology at FMMC, presented a detailed and eloquent review of the book. His oratory skills were well suited for the review, as he brought the book to life with his personal reflections and memories of the individuals mentioned in it.
Dr. Derek A. Lobo spoke about the motivation behind documenting the lives and contributions of these unsung heroes. He emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against leprosy and other poverty-related diseases. He passionately posed a question to dermatologists, the Indian Medical Association, and the Indian Government’s Department of Health and Family Welfare: “Why is 60% of leprosy found in India alone while the remaining 40% is spread across 121 countries? And why does India account for one-third of the world’s tuberculosis cases, leaving the rest to 121 other countries?”
Mr. Gaurab Sen, CEO of S-ILF, lauded the authors for their efforts and reiterated the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that address leprosy and its associated stigma. He also appreciated the dedicated and selfless service rendered by institutions for leprosy patients over the past 135 years.
The management of FMCI felicitated Dr. Derek Lobo for his contributions to FMCI as a Governing Board Member and advisor to the Department of Dermatology.
Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, in his presidential address, mentioned that leprosy, as referenced in the Old Testament, was considered a disease caused by the sins of forefathers. However, Jesus healing lepers was a sign of forgiveness and compassion. He expressed gratitude to Father Augustus Muller for his foresight in healing the sick, particularly those suffering from leprosy.
The event was attended by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director-Designate of FMCI; Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean; Rev. Fr. Ajith B. Menezes, Administrator of FMMC; Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator of FMMCH; members of the Management and Advisory Committee; Principals and faculty of various colleges under FMCI; staff of the Nursing Service Department; consultants of the Karavali Dermatology Society; HODs; faculty of FMMC; postgraduates; and interns.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rochelle Monteiro, President of the Karavali Dermatology Society and Professor of Dermatology at FMMC, recognizing the contributions of the Father Muller Medical College leadership, the Karavali Dermatology Society, and all attendees who made the occasion a success. The book’s release served as an inspiration to medical professionals, students, and public health advocates, encouraging them to continue working toward leprosy elimination and holistic patient care.
The program ended on a note of appreciation, acknowledging the need for continued research, advocacy, and support in the field of dermatology and leprosy eradication.
The event was compered by Dr. Sonal Fernandes and Dr. Prajna Shetty, faculty members of the Dermatology Department, FMMC.
