Guest to a family of 300

Bhubaneswar: Still standing tall with a walking stick in one hand and a genuine smile on his face, Antarjyami Pradhan from Angul district is the oldest inmate in a leprosy rehabilitation centre run by Missionaries of Charity sisters at Janla in Khurda district.

At even the age of 90, Pradhan remembers the day when he entered the house. He said, "I am living here since 7th May 1990. This is my actual home and I sometimes visit Angul for vacation."

Sisters here informed that Pradhan was in a very poor condition when he came to the centre. He was not able to stand properly, but now after 26 years he has surprised all with his never die attitude.

The newest member of the house is a young mentally retarded boy, whose name is still a mystery as he is unable to speak or write. His innocence will catch one's heart as he has a never tiring habit of touching the feet of visitors, seeking their blessings.

The story behind the youth goes that he is a destitute, found nearly six months back from a roadside, injured and weak. After being taken care of in the centre, he is now physically fit.

Rest of the inmates watch and greet every visitor cordially. Really they are not far away from home, but it is their home with strength of nearly 300 members.

Though the Missionaries of Charity sisters stay away from publicising their work, the hospitality received here influenced Odishatv.in representative to create a documentary on the home, as seen below.

Note: Please turn on your speakers!