Herald Journal
Oct. 18, 2009
By Kim Burgess

Across India, roughly 1 million people are suffering from leprosy, a disfiguring disease that bring physical pain and social stigma. Most are consigned to a life of poverty, supporting themselves by begging.

Until recently, leprosy patients were considered too disabled to benefit from charitable programs that teach work skills. The illness often causes patients to lose their hands and feet, leaving only stumps with little feeling. Blindness is also common.

Despite these problems, Padma Venkataraman believed that leprosy sufferers could learn to support themselves.

On Wednesday, Venkataraman visited Utah State University to discuss her 15 years of work in the leper colonies of Delhi, an effort that has provided the residents with new self-worth and independence.
The presentation was the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business Dean’s Convocation and was funded by USU alum JaLynn Prince.

With photos of Indian leprosy sufferers projected on a screen behind her, Venkataraman described how she went into the leper colonies and helped set up a committee for the residents to govern themselves. With the help of tools like spoons with wrist straps, the leprosy victims have gained unprecedented independence.
One woman was thrilled to be able to get her own glass of water instead of waiting for someone to help her.
Venkataraman also provided microfinance loans to people with leprosy through her work as a board member for Rising Star Outreach, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization that has championed her cause.

The Leprosy sufferers have used these small amounts of money to start businesses, including one man who began a carpentry shop and now employs 12 people.

Another man learned to hold a paintbrush, though he no longer has any fingers. His artwork sells for thousands of dollars.

“No one ever thought they could do these things — the (leprosy sufferers) who thought, ‘I can’t do it, are thriving,” Venkataraman said.

For these efforts, Venkataraman was named the 2009 International Humanitarian of the Year and has earned numerous other honors. She is in Utah to receive the Enterprise Mentors International’s annual International Humanitarian Award.

“(Venkataraman) represents the best that is in all of us and is an example for the world,” said Mark Petersen, CEO of Enterprise Mentors.

The daughter of a former India president, Venkataraman’s past experiences include representing the All India Women’s Conference at the United Nations and helping tsunami survivors rebuild their livelihoods.

Since partnering with Rising Star, she has initiated the reconstruction of housing for people with Leprosy and helped create the Rising Star Outreach Children’s School and Homes.

Ashley Ericson, a USU student who volunteered at the Rising Star school this summer, said the experience taught her that one person can make a difference.

“This is the first generation coming up out of the leprosy colonies and becoming productive citizens,” Ericson said. “I was so privileged to see that.”

For more information, go to www.risingstaroutreach.org.

E-mail: kburgess@hjnews.com