Maya Ranavare: Wellesley Bailey Award Winner

Maya Ranavare is one of four individuals to win the Wellesley Bailey Award in 2024. This is her story.

A childhood that was marked by stigma and discrimination

Maya’s life began in the confines of a leprosy colony, born to a mother affected by leprosy. Diagnosed with leprosy at six, she faced severe stigma and discrimination from an early age. The visible white patches on her skin made her a target for prejudice, which left deep emotional scars and a lingering sense of inferiority. Economic constraints and indifference from school authorities denied her the basic right to education, further compounding her struggles.

As an adult, Maya faced continued rejection in the job market, pushing her into menial labour. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken.

Living determined to fight against exclusion

Maya was aware of the ever-present stigma surrounding her community. Her determination to shield her children from the indignities she faced drove her to seek better opportunities for them. Maya arranged marriages for her daughters outside the colonies, ensuring they could live without the shadow of leprosy.

Her resolve to break the cycle of despair extended beyond her family, as she worked tirelessly to transform the future for all children in her community.

Maya’s life was transformed when encountering two social workers

The arrival of Mr Suresh Shipurkar and Mr Dipak Devlapurkar in the leprosy colony where Maya lived marked the beginning of a profound transformation. They shared stories of resilience from within the leprosy community and spoke passionately about human rights and the work of organisations supporting persons affected by leprosy.

These social workers' words provided Maya with a sense of determination and hope. The inspiring stories of leprosy champions who had overcome adversity resonated deeply with her, shattering the despair that had held her captive. Encouraged by their guidance, Maya pledged to rise above her challenges and become an agent of change.

With their mentorship, she gained the tools, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for her rights and the rights of others. Maya realised her journey could serve as a beacon of hope for others in her community.

Their support was instrumental in her transformation, helping her navigate social work complexities and empowering her to drive impactful initiatives. This pivotal encounter set Maya on a path to eliminate prejudice and improve living conditions within leprosy colonies, solidifying her commitment to justice and community advocacy.

Leading change and empowering communities

Maya's leadership and advocacy have been transformative. She has worked with the local state-level organisation, Kushtpidit Sanghatana, to secure maintenance allowances for over 3,000 individuals affected by leprosy. As a mentor for livelihood projects with Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation and Bajaj Foundation, she has built strong relationships with local administrators and political leaders, advocating for essential civic amenities in leprosy colonies.

Her roles in various organisations, including Chairman of Sakshi Vikas Sanstha and Treasurer of APAL, underscore her leadership capability.

Maya's tireless efforts have significantly reduced stigma and discrimination against persons affected by leprosy. Her advocacy has led to improved living conditions in leprosy colonies, including access to education, healthcare, and social protection services.

She has transformed the infrastructure of these colonies, creating liveable environments and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By engaging with government authorities, Maya has secured rights and social entitlements for her community, promoting dignity and respect.

Her influence is relentless

Maya's impact extends beyond her local community. Her extensive awareness programmes in schools, colleges, and public rallies have dispelled myths about leprosy and fostered empathy. She has mobilised support from various sectors, providing livelihood opportunities and advocating for human rights.

Through social media, she has spread awareness and practical solutions, shifting public perceptions. Maya's participation in national and international conferences has contributed to global perceptions of leprosy, inspiring others and driving positive change

Maya’s journey from a childhood marked by prejudice to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment exemplifies her extraordinary resilience and dedication. Her relentless advocacy for the rights and dignity of persons affected by leprosy, her transformative impact on her community, and her role in reducing stigma and discrimination make her a deserving winner of the Wellesley Bailey Award.