There are many stories in remote villages across India that rarely make headlines.
Stories of elderly men and women living quietly with the effects of leprosy. Stories of perseverance in the face of hardship. Stories of people who simply want to know they have not been forgotten.
Sargunam’s story is one of them.
At 66 years old, Sargunam lives with his wife in a small village in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. Decades ago, he was diagnosed with leprosy. Over time, the disease weakened the hands that had once worked long days in the fields and changed the course of his life.
Like many people affected by leprosy, he experienced more than physical challenges. Fear and stigma often created distance between him and those around him. As the years passed, life became increasingly difficult.
Yet one thing remained constant: his determination to keep going.
Today, that determination is supported by the ongoing care of Embrace a Village.
Each month, Sargunam receives rice that helps ensure he and his wife have food on the table. What may seem like a simple provision carries tremendous significance for a family living with limited resources. It eases the burden of hunger and provides peace of mind.
At the same time, Embrace a Village’s ulcer care team regularly visits to clean, dress, and monitor wounds that might otherwise go untreated. In areas where medical care is often difficult to access, this support helps prevent greater suffering and complications.
But perhaps most importantly, each visit reminds Sargunam that he matters.
The conversations. The encouragement. The simple act of showing up.
These moments communicate something powerful: he has not been forgotten.
For many elderly leprosy patients living in remote villages, that message is just as important as the medical care itself.
Because of the prayers and generosity of compassionate supporters, Embrace a Village continues to reach individuals like Sargunam with practical help, dignity, and hope.
His story is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful transformation begins with a simple act of remembering someone the world has overlooked.
If this story encourages you, please consider sharing it with others. Awareness helps bring hope to forgotten communities and allows more people to discover how they can make a difference.