The emotional burden of a leprosy diagnosis weighs heavily on a young person like Nagajothi.
The stigma and financial pressure that her illness put on her family lead to poor mental health for Nagajothi who was just 14 when she was diagnosed. Painful swellings on her face and rashes on her hands were the first symptoms.
“I remember the change in the behaviour of our relatives and neighbours and feeling very hopeless. I was very young and confused.”
“I even have an uncle who won’t allow us to attend things. We’re not allowed to go, they separate themselves from us. But with this education, I will change the world, I’m telling you.”
The education that Nagajothi is so excited to talk about is at the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Vadathorasalur, India, about a 5-hour drive from home.
“At first, I chose electrical training as it was a job in high demand in Tamil Nadu but as I continued studying, I started to like it more… I want to become an electrician, a self-employed electrician. But I’m planning to get a government job first.”
She adds, “Once when I was visiting home during lockdown, I fixed the lights and a few electrical sockets, and it made me so happy. My mother was also pleasantly surprised. She thinks I did a better job than if someone else had done it. She’s very proud of me.”
Nagajothi’s mother, Bakkyo, who is also affected by leprosy, has noticed great changes in her daughter. “Nagajothi has changed after studying at the VTC. She is much more confident and happier, and I now believe that she will get a good job… and build us a good home.” Bakkyo believes that Nagajothi’s success will help their community to accept them again. Nagajothi wants to encourage other young people like her to get training, particularly young women and others with leprosy and show them what is possible.
