Those suffering from leprosy in India face discrimination and stigma everyday. Many are forced into isolated leprosy colonies after their families find out about the disease. Those who live in the colonies mostly rely on begging to provide for themselves and their families. Because many who have leprosy beg in the streets, the stereotypes and discrimination in the minds of most of the rest of India society stays strong. Leprosy is now treatable and the medicine is provided free in India. It is extremely rarely contagious and yet the stigma exists, forcing those with leprosy, and their families, to be isolated from the rest of society.