T. N. Jagadisan
T. N. Jagadisan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 October 1909 Tachchakkadu, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) |
| Died | 28 June 1991 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | B.A. (Hons.), English, University of Madras |
| Occupation(s) | Social worker, educator |
| Known for | Advocacy for leprosy care and rehabilitation |
| Notable work | Fulfillment Through Leprosy (autobiography) |
| Awards | Padma Shri 1957 |
T. N. Jagadisan (2 October 1909 – 28 June 1991) was an Indian social worker, educator, and advocate for leprosy care and rehabilitation.
Early life
[edit]Jagadisan was born on 2 October 1909 in Tachchakkadu, a village near Chidambaram in Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu).[1] He completed his B.A. (Hons.) in English from the University of Madras.[1] He then began his career as a teacher at institutions such as Madura College (Madurai), Union Christian College (Aluva), and Annamalai University (Chidambaram).[1] At Annamalai University, Jagadisan was mentored by V. S. Srinivasa Sastri, whose guidance inspired his commitment to public service.[1] Diagnosed with non-infective leprosy in his youth, he experienced firsthand the stigma associated with the disease.[1] This personal struggle motivated him to dedicate his life to improving the lives of leprosy patients.[1]
Leprosy care
[edit]National contributions
[edit]In 1943, Jagadisan joined the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association, which later transformed into the Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh after India's independence.[1] He was a founding member of HKNS and served as its Organizing Secretary from 1950 to 1966.[2] He worked to promote scientific leprosy treatments and reduce societal discrimination against patients.[1]
In 1946, he established the Kasturba Kushta Nivaran Nilayam in Malavanthangal, one of India’s high-prevalence leprosy regions.[3][4][5] The center provided medical care, rehabilitation, and vocational training, aiming to reintegrate patients into society.[1] Jagadisan worked with national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Thakkar Bapa, who supported leprosy care as a part of India’s broader social and developmental goals.[4] In 1949, the Government appointed Jagadisan as the Honorary Leprosy Prevention and Relief Organizer in the Rural Welfare Department.[6]
International contributions
[edit]Jagadisan’s efforts extended across India, where he promoted leprosy control programs and trained workers.[7] He also represented India at global platforms:
- 1958: Chaired a session on social aspects and rehabilitation at the VII International Congress of Leprology in Tokyo.[7]
- 1963: Chaired a similar session at the VIII International Congress of Leprology in Rio de Janeiro.[7]
- 1965: Chaired the Leprosy Section at the Pan Pacific Conference of the Royal Society for Rehabilitation of the Disabled in Japan.[7]
Jagadisan’s international engagements, including visits to France, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, fostered collaborations that enhanced India’s leprosy programs and raised global awareness.[7]
Publications
[edit]- Leprosy and the Social Worker (1952)[8]
- Mahatma Gandhi Answers the Challenge of Leprosy (1965)[8]
- Builders of modern India: V. S. Srinivasa Sastri (1969)[9]
Recognition
[edit]Jagadisan emphasised treating leprosy as a medical condition, advocating for policies that balanced scientific treatment with human compassion.[1] His initiatives significantly reduced leprosy prevalence in regions like South Arcot District.[1] He received several honors for his work:
- Padma Shri (1957)[10]
- Silver Medal from Pope Paul VI (1967)[4]
- International Gandhi Award (1988)[11]
Legacy
[edit]Jagadisan died on 28 June 1991.[4] His autobiography, Fulfillment Through Leprosy, chronicles his life and contributions, serving as a lasting testament to his work in leprosy care and advocacy.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l M, Serena Josephine (2023-10-13). "T.N. Jagadisan: The man who made a mark in leprosy care in Tamil Nadu". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ "Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh". HKNS.IN. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ "Prof. T.N.Jagadisan". KASTURBA GANDHI JAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ a b c d "ILSL - Internacional Journal of Leprosy and other Mycobacterial Diseases- OBITUARY- T. N. Jagadisan October 2, 1909-June 28, 1991". ijl.ilsl.br. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ "Former President of India : K R Narayanana". www.krnarayanan.in. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ "Report of rural welfare department 1951" (PDF). Tamil Digital Library. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ a b c d e "Prof T N Jagadisan | International Leprosy Association - History of Leprosy". leprosyhistory.org. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
- ^ a b Bedi, Freda Marie Houlston (1988). Social Welfare. Publications Division.
- ^ Jagadisan, T. N. (1969). V. S. Srinivasa Sastri. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
- ^ India News. Information Service, Embassy of India. 1957.
- ^ The Indian Journal of Social Work. Department of Publications, Tata Institute of Social Sciences. 1989. p. 256.
Further reading
[edit]- Jagadisan, T. N. (1988). Fulfilment Through Leprosy. India: Kasturba Kushta Nivaran Nilayam.