IT IS WITH much sadness that Women In Need reports the loss of two of its original ladies.
Malu Gawai and Mrs Thakur died within a day of each other last week. Both were elderly and had recently shown dramatic signs of frailty.
Former leprosy patients, Mrs Thakur and Malu collectively spent 60 years living on the streets of Nagpur as a result of the social stigma surrounding the disease.
Leah and Usha first met these remarkably strong women when they originally operated as START and have since shared tears, laughter and friendship.
Mrs Thakur was the mother of Mina, the inspiration behind Women In Need. You can read about her life in our Case Studies section.
Whilst we are extremely saddened by their loss, Malu and Mrs Thakur ended their days secure and comfortable in the peaceful surroundings of WIN's shelter at Dera.
Watch Malu's 'Day in the Life' film showing the difficulties she faced living on the streets