A Leader for Change, A Voice for the Voiceless
Gaurab Sen
CEO,
Sasakawa - India Leprosy Foundation
Leadership today isn’t just about boardroom decisions or bottom lines—it’s about empathy, agility, and the courage to drive meaningful change. As industries evolve and the world faces new social, economic, and environmental challenges, the definition of leadership is quietly but unmistakably shifting. The most impactful leaders today aren’t the ones who merely command; they’re the ones who listen, learn, and lead with a sense of purpose far beyond profits. Gaurab Sen, Chief Executive Officer of SasakawaIndia Leprosy Foundation, represents this evolving leadership model. With over 20 years of experience in the development sector, his career has spanned a wide spectrum of human rights and social justice initiatives—from disability rights and gender equality to community-led development and advocacy. Before joining S-ILF, Gaurab held key positions with organisations such as the United Nations, DAHW German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association, and Hummingbird Foundation, consistently working at the intersection of policy, community engagement, and organisational strategy. Since taking on the CEO role at S-ILF, he has led the Foundation’s efforts to expand its reach across 18 Indian states, decentralise operations, and strengthen livelihood and education initiatives for persons affected by leprosy and their families. In this exclusive interaction with TradeFlock, Gaurab Sen reflects on his leadership journey, the evolving demands of the development sector, and the responsibility of driving meaningful, inclusive change.
How have your diverse experiences in disability rights and social issues shaped your leadership style?
If someone had told me two decades ago that working with children with disabilities in a small town would shape my entire leadership journey, I wouldn’t have believed them. But that’s exactly where it began—on the ground, learning patience, empathy, and resilience without any formal degree, just real-life lessons from real people. I’ve always believed that “Leadership is a practice, not a skill.” Every cause I’ve worked on—from disability rights to human trafficking—taught me to lead by listening, unlearning, and standing beside those we serve, not ahead of them. That’s the kind of leadership I carry with me every day.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from working with marginalised communities?
Some of the most powerful lessons in my life didn’t come from classrooms—they came from narrow lanes of leprosy colonies. Over the years, I’ve realised that people who’ve suffered the most aren’t looking for sympathy; they’re looking for dignity. “Those who have endured the most seek not charity, but dignity.” Every time I visited these communities, I was welcomed not as an outsider but as one of their own. That taught me that real leadership isn’t about recognition—it’s about standing beside people and helping them reclaim their future on their own terms.
What are your plans for the next five years?
I’ve always believed that the journey of empowerment doesn’t have a finish line—it keeps evolving. In the next five years, my goal is simple but ambitious: to ensure that people affected by leprosy are no longer seen on the margins but at the centre of society. I want to expand S-ILF’s work to every state where leprosy colonies exist so that “The number of colonies decline, and the existing ones merge with regular settlements.” More than that, I dream of seeing young people from these communities building dignified lives and their stories making headlines, not because of their struggles—but because of their success.
What challenges did you face while expanding S-ILF to 18 states, and how did you overcome them?
When we started expanding S-ILF beyond a few states, I quickly realised that growth on paper is easy—real growth happens when communities trust you. Each new state brought fresh challenges—cultural barriers, policy hurdles, and the deep-rooted stigma of leprosy. What helped me navigate this journey was something I’ve learned over the years: Experience is the Guru in everyone’s life. It taught me to decentralise decisions, stay flexible, and build local partnerships that made our presence meaningful, not just widespread.
If you could change one perception about leprosy, what would it be?
If I could wave a magic wand, I wouldn’t erase the disease—I’d erase the judgment around it. For too long, people have believed that leprosy defines who you are. But the truth is, “The real affliction is not the disease itself, but the isolation and discrimination that come with it.” Leprosy is just a medical condition; it doesn’t take away a person’s dreams, dignity, or right to belong.
Unplugged: Beyond The Boardroom
Balance isn’t found—it’s created.
Beyond boardrooms, I recharge through meaningful moments: walking among leprosy colonies where I’m welcomed as family, finding perspective in books and history, and embracing cultures through travel. My personal space is sacred—I unwind by cooking, watching Hindi films, and exploring the world. So far, I’ve travelled to 28 states, 4 Union Territories and 14 Countries— and each place has added something special to how I lead and live.
