Dehradun, Jan 22 (IANS): For leprosy-affected people, Pierre Reynniers, who died due to swine flu on Sunday here, was their hero. But he remained unsung.

For more than five decades, Reynniers (72), who was born in Paris, worked tirelessly for the well-being of lepers.

In the 1970s, he even played a pivotal role in opening a society here where lepers could sell their handmade wares. But there was hardly any recognition.

"Reynniers was a messiah of the lepers. He worked throughout his life for them. But he did not get any reward," said Noel Das, a long time associate. Both Reynniers and Noel worked at the KKM Weaving Society, a non-government organization for the welfare of lepers which was opened in the 1960s.

At the young age of 21, Reynniers came to Dehradun. "From the very young age of 21, Reynniers started working for lepers. Throughout his life, Reynniers made KKM Society as his home in Dehradun," said Noel.

Anil Joshi, a prominent social activist, asked the state government to announce a reward for Reynniers. "I think the government must recognize the services of Reynniers and suitably reward him," said Joshi.

Reynniers' last rites were held at Dehradun and his ashes were immersed in the holy river Ganga as per his wishes by his family members and friends.