Tanveer, who is just a 17 year old. He should have been chasing dreams, not struggling to perform the one job that brought joy to his life: operating music at weddings and cultural programs in his village of Barghainiya, Uttar Pradesh.

But leprosy had other plans.

Five years ago, Tanveer realised something was terribly wrong. His left hand lost sensation in the palm, nodules began to form, and slowly, cruelly-his fingers curled into claws. The boy who once loved music, who found joy in bringing happiness to others through sound, could no longer control the very equipment that had been his livelihood.
Four years of searching. Countless hospitals. No answers.

Tanveer’s father, Shiv Prasad, a farmer with limited means and no formal education, took his son from clinic to clinic, desperately seeking help. His mother, Chunniwadi, worried endlessly as she watched her middle son struggle with tasks that once came so naturally to him.

Education had already slipped away. Tanveer left school after Class 9, like both his brothers before him. His elder brother Rajkumar, now married and is trying to build a YouTube channel. His younger brother Ravi took whatever odd jobs he could find. The Kushwaha family knew hardship intimately.

But Tanveer’s dream persisted. He wanted to learn more about music. He imagined himself one day as a professional music mixer in a big city, creating the soundtracks to other people’s celebrations, their love stories, their moments of joy.

Then came hope in the form of another patient’s kindness.

Someone who had been treated at The Leprosy Mission Hospital in Naini told Tanveer’s father about the specialised care available there. Finally, after years of uncertainty, Tanveer arrived at our doors.

Our medical team confirmed what the family feared but could not name: leprosy. Yet with that diagnosis came something the Kushwahas had not felt in years, hope. We am very hopeful that he will return to normal and be able to chase his dreams.

Tanveer is admitted for preoperative care, preparing for reconstructive surgeries that could restore function to his hands. Two surgeries stand between Tanveer and his dream. Two procedures that could give him back not just the ability to work, but the chance to pursue his passion.

Your gift today can help Tanveer hold his future in his hands, literally.

With your support, The Leprosy Mission can provide the specialised surgical care and post-operative physiotherapy, and follow-up treatment that Tanveer desperately needs.

Because a 17 year old boy deserves more than watching his dreams curl up like his fingers. He deserves the chance to mix music, to create joy, to build the future he envisions.

Will you help Tanveer turn the music back on?Your donation today provides life changing reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and hope to young people like Tanveer affected by leprosy.