For Children of a Lesser God

Village of People of Good Heart, Sumanahalli had its beginnings in 1978. It all started with a request by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka to the Archbishop of Bangalore, offering Government land to establish an organisation that would help treat and rehabilitate the Leprosy-afflicted in and around Bangalore.

Several benevolent and caring individuals and organisations took up the challenge to create and nurture this fledgling Society. In course of time, it would go on to accomplish major advances in the treatment and prevention of the dreaded disease of Leprosy. Today, Sumanahalli stands tall as an example of what collaborative activity and voluntary participation can accomplish. And not just for those afflicted by Leprosy but also HIV, the disabled and the destitute.

The Team
Sumanahalli is a registered society with the government with His Grace Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore as the Chairman.

The Governing Body Members are His Grace Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore, Chairman, Rev. Fr. Xavier Manavath,  Claretian Provincial, Vice Chairman, E.P. Jacob, Woodways India , Secretary, Fr. George Kannanthanam, Claretian, Director & Treasurer, Cyriac Thomas, Advocate, Paul David, Sr. Laurent Marie, Montfort Sisters, Member and may more likeminded members from various fields.

Thrilled by an inspiring sermon by one of the Redemptorist Fathers, on Good Friday of 1971, the members of The Legion of Mary, Oliver Dooland and MK Antony chose to visit the Central Leprosarium on Magadi Road. The patients whom they met were all praise for their standing so close to them and talking to them, when their own wives had deserted them after they were afflicted with leprosy. That was an encounter.
These patients were from several slums in Magadi Rd., Seshadripuram, East Station, Tilak Nagar. Antony & co also met people with similar interest, viz. Brother Christudoss, a Holy Cross brother from St. Peter's Seminary, a few sisters from Mother Teresa's organization, and a Britisher, Ms. Chris Saddler.

Mr. J.C. Lynn, (later Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka) ushered in a token of financial help from the Beggar's Relief Fund for each leprosy patient who would stop begging. A gesture of hope and faith extended by the Government. In May 1976 the Government asked us to put up a Leprosarium and offered land.

Fr. Michel from the Servants of the Holy Spirit came with the first donation of Rs. 1 Lakh. The faith ministry began. The Sisters of St. Joseph's of Tarbes moved in to stay at Sumanahalli. This was followed by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate. The Daughters of the Church and the Daughters of Wisdom also joined the SET (Survey, Education & Treatment) programme.

With houses built, the patients from Sheshadripuram moved into Sumanahalli. Mr. Bonnie Mascarenhas joined as Technical advisor. Mr. Michelangelo took over the portfolio of Treasurer. Sr. Mary Mascarenhas began the rehabilitation activities. Volunteers from far and wide began to trickle in. The rest is history.
Today, Sumanahalli is a society with four clinics. A hundred-bed rehabilitation centre. An ongoing survey that has covered one-fourth of Bangalore. There are nine vocational training programmes. Educational programmes and adult literacy courses. A service that reaches 3.3 million in South India, bagged 11 National awards and 6 State awards.

Among the many patrons and partners of Sumanahalli are Help Age India, Turf Club, MICO, Mysore Minerals Ltd, India, Y's Men Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Ahmad Memorial Foundation, Central leather research institute (CLRI), Karnataka Institute of Leather technology (KILT), National Institute of Designs (NID), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Indian Institute of Management, (IIM), Xavier Institute of Management (XIME), KOLOUR KONCEPTS, India, Latter Day Saint Charities, Syndicate Bank, Vincent De Paul Society, apart from several leading schools, churches, software companies and religious congregations.

Products
Volunteers at Sumanahalli say that despite their best efforts, integrating their cured inmates into mainstream society is an uphill task. That's why they have set up their own manufacturing units to provide them a livelihood, a structured work setting and of course, crucially-needed income.

Several fabrication centers dotted around the campus are staffed by incredibly-dedicated people. Not wishing to be a burden to their families and society, they enthusiastically work to produce goods that are of excellent quality, such as candles, paper bags, leather goods and garments. Here's a quick peek at what Sumanahalli has to offer:

Candles:  Totally hand-made and available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and scents to suit any requirement. These are retailed through grocery stores as well as specialized wax goods stores. Customised candles also available on request.

Leather Goods: Skilled craftsmen produce stylish and durable bags, wallets, laptop-cases, luggage and many other items in high-grade leather. These are exported to England and Sweden, apart from catering to the domestic market.

Garments:  A modern, disabled-friendly garment unit with 200 employees produces shirts for several big brands, as well as under their own brand "Ahalli".

Paper Bags: Hand-made bags made of recycled paper are an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bags

Vocational Training
Sumanahalli has training programmes in Leathercraft, Printing, Tailoring, Knitting, Mushroom cultivation, in addition to the manufacture of Orthopaedic Shoes, Candles, Paper Bags and Garments.

Trainees follow a prescribed syllabus during their learning stages. Sumanahalli has effectively trained well over 900 people on campus, making a hugely positive change in their lives, enriching their ability to support themselves and their families.

SUPPORT a home away from home for HIV/AIDS destitutes
Support is a project of Sumanahalli society, a residential care and support for HIV/AIDS destitutes. The volunteers visit, counsel, and give treatment in the houses, hospitals and communities.

In 2004, it converted into an inhouse care of HIV/AIDS affected people, with capacity of 24 beds. The inmates are provided an integrated care, which includes yoga, meditation, counseling, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, medication, meditation, occupational therapy, group activities etc.

Education
The inmates at Sumanahalli are shunned by their own families and the society at large. To pick up the pieces of their shattered lives and gain some independence, they need help with finding a livelihood of their own. Education is key here in establishing a sense of self-respect and pride.

Sumanahalli started a school and crèche within its campus in 1978-79. Students educated here were not just the leprosy afflicted but also their children, who faced discrimination and dismissal from their own schools due to fears of contagion. The older boys were admitted to St. Mary's Orphanage, while the girls went to St. Joseph's Convent School.