On August 20, 2025, Cuttack (Odisha) marked the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s first arrival (20 August 1925), recalling his visit to the leprosy colony’s Gandhi Ashram where he personally dressed patients’ wounds. The Honourable Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, served as chief guest and acknowledged the Daughters of Charity’s dedicated service; a memento was presented on behalf of the state. It was a moment of joy for the Company of the Daughters of Charity—especially the Province of North India—who give thanks to God, convinced that “to be recognized and loved by the poor is our greatest reward.”
The Cuttack Leprosy Home was founded in 1919 by the Baptist Mission with government support and, after Gandhi’s visit, was renamed Gandhi Leprosy Home; the two colonies became Nehru Leprosy Colony and Gandhi Leprosy Colony. Invited by the Health Department, the Daughters of Charity arrived on April 1, 1954 and opened Daya Ashram, later adding mobile clinics to serve the colony 5–6 km away. Land in Nehru Colony enabled the construction of Shanti Ashram, blessed on April 15, 1986 (St. Damien’s Day). From there, services expanded: the Mercy Kitchen, a girls’ boarding and education, vocational training (tailoring, candle making), and rehabilitation—signs of a century of compassionate service and hope.
