He is the youngest of three siblings in a family that has endured repeated loss and continuing economic hardship. His mother passed away in 2018 after a prolonged illness, and his father died of poor health during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.
For some time, the siblings stayed with relatives, but instability and limited support eventually led them back to their small home in the village with occasional help from an uncle. Kamal’s brother, now 16, had to discontinue his studies and travel to Hyderabad for daily work to support his siblings. His sister, now aged 18, continued her education away from home, she returns whenever possible to support the family.
In 2025, Kamal developed a small, discoloured patch of skin on his back. At first, it appeared harmless and did not raise concern. However, over time, the patch gradually grew. The family first sought care from a private clinic, but his condition did not improve.
When Kamal began to lose sensation in his foot, the family didn’t immediately consider this serious but as time went on his condition worsened. The skin patches, episodes of fever, swelling, and general weakness gradually reduced his energy and activity levels. The loss of sensation in his foot made him vulnerable to unnoticed injuries, adding a constant hidden risk to his daily routine.
Slowly, Kamal withdrew from playing with his friends and began missing school more frequently. For a child already carrying the emotional weight of losing both parents, the illness deepened his isolation.
When his sister approached the village health care worker, the situation began to change. They advised them to attend the government health centre where he was suspected of having leprosy and referred to Lepra’s Koraput Care Centre. He began a course of multidrug therapy and remained under observation at the centre for 10 days. During this period, his fever subsided, swelling reduced, and his overall condition began to stabilise.
Due to the loss of sensation in his foot, Kamal was provided with custom-made footwear to protect against injuries and help him to move safely. Alongside medical care, he received consistent emotional support, helping him feel safe and cared for throughout his recovery.
Kamal continues to receive regular follow-ups. He is now steadily recovering and regaining strength. With ongoing care and support, there is hope that he will return to school, and he can enjoy playtime with his friends again.
