Meesala Jayamma
Meesala Jayamma was born into a family of milk vendors in Rajam, Srikakulam district. She was involved in the care of their cattle from her early days. At the age of 15, she found an unusual pale pink spot on her right thigh. She applied locally available ointment to the spot every day but did not find any improvement. A few days later, another spot appeared on her right cheek. Her parents took her to a doctor who treated her with herbal medicines, but to no avail. Very soon, she could not move her fingers and lost sensation in her hands. This time, she was taken to the Government Hospital where the doctors referred her to the Leprosy Hospital in Pogiri.
Jayamma refused to go to the leprosy hospital because of stigma and discrimination. By then, she was engaged to a man in the village and therefore she continued to use herbal medicines. A few days later, small holes appeared under the toe of her left foot. It got worse, and soon she was unable to walk because her right foot lost grip and the foot dropped by itself when she walked. When people found out it was leprosy, they told her family members to keep her away from them. The man who was engaged to Jayamma left her too.
Now, Jayamma had no option but to go to the leprosy hospital. She was admitted there for treatment. After a few days, when she returned home from the hospital, the villagers refused to receive her. She had to go back to the leprosy hospital in Pogiri again. This time she was sent to The Leprosy Mission Hospital in Salur as there were no beds in Pogiri hospital. After being in the hospital for treatment, when the time came for her to go home, Jayamma explained her situation to the doctor and requested that she may be allowed to stay in the hospital. The doctor advised her to go to Phoolbagh Leprosy colony on the outskirts of Vizianagaram.
Jayamma was 22 when she arrived at Phoolbagh leprosy colony. Initially, she found a temporary shelter made of wood and leaves. At the age of 24, Jayamma married a man from the same colony named Trinada who was also a leper. She gave birth to a baby boy. He is grown up and lives independently from his parents. 3 years ago Trinada passed away. Jayamma is 45 now and has severe deformities.
