In Assam's Morigaon, one man’s quiet resolve is helping rewrite the fight against tuberculosis

In the battle against tuberculosis, a disease that thrives in silence, stigma and neglect, hope often arrives not with noise, but with compassion. In Assam's Morigaon district, that hope has taken the form of a quiet yet powerful initiative led by social worker Dhanidhar Buragohain, whose decision to stand by 56 tuberculosis patients is beginning to change lives, one meal and one conversation at a time.

As India advances toward the ambitious goal of a TB-Free India, the Central Government’s Ni-kshay Mitra scheme has opened doors for individuals to directly support patients battling the disease. In Morigaon, Buragohain has stepped through that door with conviction, taking complete responsibility for the nutritional needs, treatment support and emotional well-being of 56 TB patients, many of whom come from economically vulnerable backgrounds.

At a time when tuberculosis is often reduced to statistics and reports, Buragohain’s initiative brings the focus back to the human stories behind the diagnosis. For him, recovery is not just about medicines, it is about dignity, nourishment and reassurance.

The importance of this initiative was underlined by Dr Amarjyoti Deka, District Tuberculosis Officer, Morigaon, who spoke to the media at the District Tuberculosis Elimination Centre. Dr Deka stressed that while free medicines are a critical pillar of the national TB programme, they are not sufficient on their own.

“Tuberculosis is a disease that drains the body,” he explained. “Without adequate protein and nutritious food, recovery becomes difficult, prolonged and uncertain.” For patients already struggling with poverty, job loss or social isolation, proper nutrition often remains an unmet need.

Recognising this gap, Buragohain personally selected 56 TB patients from the Morigaon constituency and distributed the first instalment of nutritional food kits, ensuring they receive the strength their bodies need to heal. The programme, according to health officials, will continue uninterrupted for a minimum of six months, offering consistency, an often overlooked but crucial element in long-term treatment.

What sets this initiative apart is its understanding that tuberculosis affects more than the lungs. It often leaves deep emotional scars, fuelled by social stigma, fear and isolation.

Dr Deka highlighted that Buragohain’s support goes far beyond material assistance. He has taken it upon himself to encourage patients to adhere to their medication schedules, while also offering mental and moral support—reminding them that TB is curable, that they are not alone, and that their illness does not define their worth.

This reassurance matters deeply. Many patients, health officials admit, discontinue treatment not because of side effects, but due to shame, hopelessness or lack of emotional backing. By standing beside them consistently, Buragohain is helping patients reclaim confidence along with their health.

The district health department has openly acknowledged the rarity of such commitment in today’s social climate. Dr Deka expressed concern that even assisting one TB patient often meets hesitation, fear or indifference.

“In that context,” he said, “supporting 56 patients at once is not just generous—it is extraordinary.” On behalf of the District Health Society and the district administration, he extended heartfelt gratitude to Buragohain, calling his gesture a source of pride for Morigaon.

Health officials hope this initiative will serve as more than a standalone act of kindness. They see it as a model for community participation, one that could inspire other individuals, organisations and institutions to step forward.

Tuberculosis, experts say, cannot be eliminated by government systems alone. It requires collective empathy, shared responsibility and grassroots involvement—qualities embodied in Buragohain’s approach.