T. N. Jagadisan (2 October 1909 – 28 June 1991) was an Indian social worker, educator, and advocate for leprosy care and rehabilitation.

Jagadisan was born on 2 October 1909 in Tachchakkadu, a village near Chidambaram in Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu).^[1] He completed his B.A. (Hons.) in English from the University of Madras.^[1] He then began his career as a teacher at institutions such as Madura College (Madurai), Union Christian College (Aluva), and Annamalai University (Chidambaram).^[1] At Annamalai University, Jagadisan was mentored by V. S. Srinivasa Sastri, whose guidance inspired his commitment to public service.^[1] Diagnosed with non-infective leprosy in his youth, he experienced firsthand the stigma associated with the disease.^[1] This personal struggle motivated him to dedicate his life to improving the lives of leprosy patients.^[1]

In 1943, Jagadisan joined the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association, which later transformed into the Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh after India's independence.^[1] He was a founding member of HKNS and served as its Organizing Secretary from 1950 to 1966.^[2] He worked to promote scientific leprosy treatments and reduce societal discrimination against patients.^[1]

In 1946, he established the Kasturba Kushta Nivaran Nilayam in Malavanthangal, one of India’s high-prevalence leprosy regions.^[3][4][5] The center provided medical care, rehabilitation, and vocational training, aiming to reintegrate patients into society.^[1] Jagadisan worked with national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Thakkar Bapa, who supported leprosy care as a part of India’s broader social and developmental goals.^[4] In 1949, the Government appointed Jagadisan as the Honorary Leprosy Prevention and Relief Organizer in the Rural Welfare Department.^[6]

Jagadisan’s efforts extended across India, where he promoted leprosy control programs and trained workers.^[7] He also represented India at global platforms:

• 1958: Chaired a session on social aspects and rehabilitation at the VII International Congress of Leprology in Tokyo.^[7]
• 1963: Chaired a similar session at the VIII International Congress of Leprology in Rio de Janeiro.^[7]
• 1965: Chaired the Leprosy Section at the Pan Pacific Conference of the Royal Society for Rehabilitation of the Disabled in Japan.^[7]

Jagadisan’s international engagements, including visits to France, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, fostered collaborations that enhanced India’s leprosy programs and raised global awareness.^[7]

• Leprosy and the Social Worker (1952)^[8]
• Mahatma Gandhi Answers the Challenge of Leprosy (1965)^[8]
• Builders of modern India: V. S. Srinivasa Sastri (1969)^[9]

Jagadisan emphasised treating leprosy as a medical condition, advocating for policies that balanced scientific treatment with human compassion.^[1] His initiatives significantly reduced leprosy prevalence in regions like South Arcot District.^[1] He received several honors for his work:

• Padma Shri (1957)^[10]
• Silver Medal from Pope Paul VI (1967)^[4]
• International Gandhi Award (1988)^[11]

Jagadisan died on 28 June 1991.^[4] His autobiography, Fulfillment Through Leprosy, chronicles his life and contributions, serving as a lasting testament to his work in leprosy care and advocacy.^[1]

• Jagadisan, T. N. (1988). Fulfilment Through Leprosy. India: Kasturba Kushta Nivaran Nilayam.