T. N. Jagadisan

T. N. Jagadisan (2 October 1909 – 28 June 1991) was an Indian social worker, educator, and advocate for leprosy care and rehabilitation.

Early life Jagadisan was born on 2 October 1909 in Tachchakkadu, a village near Chidambaram in Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu). He completed his B.A. (Hons.) in English from the University of Madras. He worked to promote scientific leprosy treatments and reduce societal discrimination against patients. The center provided medical care, rehabilitation, and vocational training, aiming to reintegrate patients into society.

International contributions Jagadisan’s efforts extended across India, where he promoted leprosy control programs and trained workers. 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. Mahatma Gandhi Answers the Challenge of Leprosy (1965)

Recognition Jagadisan emphasised treating leprosy as a medical condition, advocating for policies that balanced scientific treatment with human compassion. Silver Medal from Pope Paul VI (1967)

Legacy Jagadisan died on 28 June 1991. His autobiography, Fulfillment Through Leprosy, chronicles his life and contributions, serving as a lasting testament to his work in leprosy care and advocacy.