K. GODAVARI is 60 years old. She remembers when she was a young girl dreaming about being a beautiful bride. She grew to be a lovely young woman and looked forward to the life ahead of her.
Everthing changed when it was apparent that she was affected with Leprosy. She was devasteted and could find no comfort. She was convinced that her life was a waste. She never got married and had no interest in happiness. She lived with her uncle and would hide herself when guests came to visit to spare him the embarrassment and shame that this disease causes. She suffered daily with debilitating fevers and excruciating pain from swelling and deterioration of her hands and feet.
Hope came into her life when she learned of the possibility of becoming an artist at the Bindu Art School. The first things she began to paint were scenes in nature, trees and plants. Her paintings have changed since then and she is becoming more in tune with her natural talent. She loves the color green because it brings her comfort and tranquility.
Being an artist has improved her life in so many ways! She is able to support herself with the profits she receives. She is a devout Hindu and feels blessed to be able to support local festivals and give offerings as worship to the Hindu Gods. Without money, she was not able to do this. Her new skill has given her tremendous courage and she is much more optimistic and outgoing. She has many new friends and loves to help others. She hopes in five years to be in a position to help many in a big way.
Godavari’s dream is that people will always respect one another and give love and comfort to those in need.


Colony: Bharathapuram
Name: K. GODAVARI
Sex: female
Date and place of birth: : Nellor, Andra Pradesh
Age: 60
Brothers: -
Sisters: 1
Married: unmarried
Husband’s name: -
Children: -
Year of infection: 1996
When did you come in the colony: 1997
You live with the family in the colony: No, I live in the old age home.
Why: Desease
The family live in I have no family
Have you ever painted before: No
Why do you want to learn painting: peace, entertainment and money
Specials:
Are you happy to stop begging and start painting: yes