India: Daughters of Charity Sisters Honoured for Leprosy Service in Cuttack

The Daughters of Charity Sisters at Shant Ashram, Cuttack, have been awarded the Certificate for the Best Leprosy Service Programme in recognition of their tireless service to the city’s Leprosy Colony.
The award was presented by the Governor of Odisha on August 21 during a special commemorative ceremony, first reported by Catholic Connect.
The occasion marked the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s historic visit to Cuttack, when he personally went to the Leprosy Colony a hundred years ago. The commemoration recalled Gandhi’s compassion for the marginalized while highlighting present-day initiatives that carry forward his mission of dignity and inclusion for those affected by leprosy.
The recognition shines a light on the decades-long commitment of the Sisters at Shant Ashram, who have provided not only medical treatment but also rehabilitation and social support to patients and their families. Their ministry has helped restore dignity, hope, and belonging to those often pushed to the margins of society.
In accepting the award, the Sisters reaffirmed their congregation’s charism of serving the poorest and most vulnerable, inspired by both Gandhi’s vision of equality and their founder’s call to embody Christ’s love through selfless service.
The Governor of Odisha praised their dedication, describing their work as “a living testimony to Gandhiji’s spirit of service.” The ceremony brought together civic leaders, healthcare workers, and community members who expressed gratitude for the Sisters’ enduring contribution.
As noted by Catholic Connect, the honour serves not only as recognition of past service but also as a reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, compassion, and care in the fight against leprosy in India today.
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