Hubli
Following the typically rough Indian road, surrounded by fruit trees full of big ripe mangoes and jack fruit, takes you to a very special place in the small city of Hubli in the South of India. A little way off is a gentle lake, where if you were to stay the night you’ll hear the chirping of hundreds of geckos.
We are welcomed very warmly and invited in to walk through the humble building. Inside a small community of artisans is at work, producing beautiful and intricate items, with immense detail, intricacy and skill. The sounds of printed blocks being slammed onto fabrics, the whirring of sewing machines – seeing the creativity and positivity in this place you wouldn’t think it’s a rehabilitation hospital for those suffering from leprosy.
In many ways when you visit Hubli you just don’t get the “down and out” feeling that might be conjured on a visit to a leprosy hospital. There is a positivity in this place.
Inside a beautiful lady named Sara Swaphi sits at a sewing machine putting together presentation bags, which have been screen printed in other parts of the hospital. Sara only has one leg and would find it difficult to get work elsewhere. In the hospital she is not only treated, but given work that pays her a fair wage, giving her dignity to earn a living for herself.
There are many others here, who have all been embraced into this uplifting community, given value and respect. In other parts of India they might be considered unclean and not able to find work because of their disability.
It can become very challenging for people with disability because of the broken roads, tough terrain and lack of accessibility in India. However in Hubli these needs are considered and valued.
As we spend the next couple of days in the hospital we see that this is much more than community, it is a family. A family we were privileged to be welcomed into for a short time, and one that Change Threads is proud to support.
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Anna Spoore
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