Chandigarh, October 24 - Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that the true hallmark of a developed India lies in uplifting the most disadvantaged sections of society and ensuring that they lead a life of dignity. Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the newly constructed rooms at Gandhi Leprosy Ashram in Rohtak, he said that the government, administration and society must work together for the welfare, healthcare, education and rehabilitation of persons affected by leprosy. Smt. Mitra Ghosh, First Lady of Haryana, was also present on the occasion.

He said that ensuring regular rations, essential medicines, nutritious food and healthcare facilities for persons affected by leprosy, along with education for their children and opportunities for livelihood, was a collective responsibility.

Referring to the life and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, the Governor said that Mahatma Gandhi had always worked for the upliftment of the deprived and needy sections of society. Inspired by his ideals, Gandhi Leprosy Ashram was established. He said that truly following Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings meant ensuring dignity, equal opportunities and a better quality of life for every individual.

The Governor emphasised the need to eliminate misconceptions and prejudices surrounding leprosy. He said that persons affected by leprosy were an integral part of society and had every right to live with dignity. He appealed to all sections of society to treat them with sensitivity, extend support and play an active role in their social rehabilitation.

Taking note of the problems faced by the residents of the Ashram, the Governor said that constructing buildings alone was not enough; it was equally important to provide all essential facilities to the residents and ensure regular maintenance of the premises. He stressed the need for an early resolution of issues relating to the availability of rations and medicines at the Ashram. He said that he would request the Haryana Government to restore the ration supply arrangements that had been discontinued, so that no resident of the Ashram had to face a shortage of food. He also directed the concerned officials to ensure regular health check-ups, necessary treatment and the availability of medicines for persons affected by leprosy. He further emphasised the need for effective measures to provide quality education to the children of families residing at the Ashram and secure a better future for them.

Appreciating the role of the Red Cross Society, the Governor said that caring for people residing in leprosy ashrams and centres across various districts of the state was an important responsibility. He said that the Red Cross Society should work effectively towards managing these centres, expanding healthcare services and providing essential assistance to those in need.

The Governor assured that the Red Cross Society would not be allowed to face financial difficulties in undertaking additional responsibilities for the welfare of persons affected by leprosy. All possible efforts would be made to provide the necessary funds and financial assistance in this regard.

He said that basic facilities, including new buildings, halls and washrooms, had been constructed for persons affected by leprosy. It was now essential to ensure their proper maintenance and uninterrupted functioning so that the residents could live in a clean, safe and comfortable environment.

The Governor said that healthcare services were being strengthened through the Red Cross Society to ensure timely medical assistance to those in need. Efforts were underway to expand ambulance services across all districts of Haryana so that poor and needy people could access free ambulance facilities during emergencies. He emphasised that ensuring access to healthcare for every person in need was a priority.

The Governor appealed to local residents, social organisations and donors to come forward and support Gandhi Leprosy Ashram and other centres serving needy people. Voluntary donations and social support could help provide better food, healthcare and other essential facilities to persons affected by leprosy. He also stressed the need to create livelihood and employment opportunities to make them self-reliant, enabling them to live with dignity.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, the Governor said that the country’s economic and technological progress would be meaningful only when its benefits reached the last person in society. Achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat required ensuring equal opportunities for healthcare, education, social security and a dignified life for the weaker, deprived and neglected sections of society.

Expressing gratitude to the organisations, officials and all those who had contributed to the reconstruction of Gandhi Leprosy Ashram, the Governor said that the government, administration, Red Cross Society and society at large must continue to work together for the welfare and rehabilitation of persons affected by leprosy.

Those present on the occasion included Red Cross Vice-Chairman Ankush Miglani; Deputy Commissioner Satbir Singh; Superintendent of Police, Gaurav Rajpurohit; Haryana Leprosy Federation President S. N. Tyagi; Gulshan Nijhawan; Baba Sukha Shah; Gandhi Leprosy Ashram President Chaturbhuj; Ambala Leprosy Ashram President Rampad; Govind Swami; Smt. Usha; Manju; representatives of the Red Cross Society; and other distinguished persons.