My leper friends : An account of personal work among lepers, and of their daily life in India

Arriving in bustling Calcutta after years of globetrotting, the author swaps the excitement of horse‑training tours for a quieter, more purposeful life among some of the city’s most marginalized residents. Drawn by a deep sense of duty, she settles into the leper asylum, where she quickly discovers a community bound by resilience, humor, and a yearning for dignity. Her observations bring the daily rhythms of the colony—its cramped quarters, modest meals, and the simple joys of shared stories—to vivid life, inviting listeners to see beyond the stigma that surrounds the disease.

Through compassionate anecdotes and candid reflections, the narrative reveals the challenges of caring for those shunned by society while also chronicling the tireless fundraising efforts that sustain the refuge. A medical chapter offers clear, empathetic insight into leprosy itself, complementing the personal portraits of patients, fellow volunteers, and the eclectic mix of officials who intersect their world. Listeners are left with a heartfelt portrait of humanity’s capacity for kindness amid hardship, and an invitation to consider how small acts of generosity can illuminate even the darkest corners.