Leprosy remains one of the most stigmatised diseases across the globe, and Pakistan is no exception to this rhetoric. However, so many myths that engulf leprosy and lepers are quite untrue and need to be eradicated from the society. On World Leprosy Day, I decided to take a tour of one of the biggest leprosy hospitals in Pakistan and met people who are no different than you and me. Their smiles and gratitude could not hide the pain and afflictions brought onto them when they are considered a pariah by their own families. These courageous people, battling against the odds, were overwhelmingly ‘alive’ and happy to share their stories with me. — Text by Faiza Mirza/Dawn.com, Photos by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com