A nondescript cluster of small huts meant for leprosy patients, who have to beg for survival, at Anantpur had a few unlikely visitors on Sunday who distributed food and spread warmth on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi.

Qayadat, an outfit of Muslim social workers, doctors and lawyers, celebrated the birth of Prophet Mohammad by paying a visit to Nirmala Kushth Colony on the bank of the nearly dead Harmu river.

“Most people treat them as untouchables and don’t go there at all. We decided to make this day more special by paying them a visit,” Nadim Khan, an active member of Qayadat, said.

Muslims observe the birth of Prophet Mohammad as Milad-un-Nabi on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awaal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Besides taking out processions and organising prayer meetings, they offer food to the needy on that day.

Around 110 persons living in 41 huts in the colony were given food neatly packed in aluminium foil containers.

“It was nothing much, just khichdi that we tried to make delicious by adding vegetables,” Khan said.

Meena Tirkey, a resident of the colony, looked touched by the gesture. “Humlogon ko kaun puchhta hai? (who cares for us?),” Meena said.

Khan said he would visit the colony once again.

“Many here are yet to get their Ayushman Bharat cards. Someone must take initiative and make their lives a little bit more bearable,” Khan said.