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Al Jazeera follows the health heroes fighting leprosy in India
MUMBAI: Al Jazeera English follows the work of health heroes fighting against the most neglected disease across India in the documentary Ancient Enemy, part of the groundbreaking eight-part series ‘Lifelines, The Quest for Global Health’.
Leprosy is the world’s oldest recorded disease and still persists despite being officially ‘eliminated’ in 2005. The stigma remains a major obstacle to early diagnosis and treatment of this curable disease.
The series will go after people diagnosed and meet those who untreated and now live with the disease forever. From health workers and counsellors, to surgeons and shoe makers; from people who live in leprosy colonies to those who demand more from the Indian government – there is still work being done to support people with leprosy in the poorest regions of India.
The episode follows health hero, Rajni Kant Singh, state coordinator for a leading NGO, as he forges dramatic breakthroughs while tackling the conditions that afflict poor people. “Since Leprosy was declared ‘eliminated’ in India in 2005 it has slipped off the agenda and resources have dried up. Yet the disease persists in India, with some 130 000 new cases a year. These patients need help with diagnosis, treatment and often social and psychological support too”, said Singh.
“Whether through low tech ingenuity, community commitment or the best that modern medical science can offer, these are stories of people, passion and persistence in the triumph of humanity over unbearable suffering. Al Jazeera English believes in keeping people at the core of everything we do. We challenge and empower by telling stories without prejudice, in the most authentic way possible as we believe everyone has a story worth hearing”, says Al Jazeera English award winning Director Brian Tilley.
The episode showcases the work of inspiring people on the frontline of public health and hearing their stories of the dramatic breakthroughs against the disease and its conditions that keep millions of people in poverty.
Tune into Al Jazeera on Dish TV 618 and Tata Sky Channel 533 to catch the premiere of Ancient Enemy on Friday, May 23, 05 30 PM IST
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
