Deepest Condolences

Luke Samson (1956–2025)

The entire Network of Asian People who Use Drugs (NAPUD) family was deeply saddened to learn about Luke’s death. Our team continues to mourn and finds it hard to believe that he is not with us. 

On behalf of NAPUD, we would like to extend our sincere heartfelt condolences to Luke’s family and closest friends. It is very important that our sentiments and messages reach his family at this difficult time.

Luke was an activist from India and had a proven track record of sustainable work in the fields of health, non-formal education, social development, community engagement, and women empowerment that inspired many young people to work alongside him for those living in abject poverty.

Luke expanded the scope of his work to include people who use drugs, implementing evidence-based harm reduction programs and strategies. Many individuals from across India joined his vision, leading to the establishment of the first model of harm reduction initiative in five cities of India. This model was later expanded to fifteen cities across the country.

NAPUD members in India who were friends/family to Luke said:

When I first met Luke, the way he spoke and expressed his visions and development-centric thoughts was powerful enough to convince and motivate me to walk with him through the narrow alleys of Delhi slums.

Today, when a close friend asked me to write about Luke, I find it incredibly painful to find the right words to express my grief. Goodbye, Luke.

Luke was a fierce advocate for PWID issues. His work is more relevant than ever. I can still remember the echoes of his voice. Please convey our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Luke, the beacon of light in the HIV movement, has departed, and it is sad. I have known him since the early 90s and have had good times, great conversations, and brilliant insights shared by him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. may his soul rest in peace.

Luke was instrumental in bringing the International Harm Reduction Conference to New Delhi and uniting regional service providers and community activists under a unique initiative called the "Respond Beyond Borders (RBB)", which has since influenced harm reduction efforts in many Asian countries. In fact, the beginning of the movement of people who use drugs in Asia can be traced back to one of the RBB consultation events held in Goa in January 2008 - widely known as the "Goa Declaration".

It is deeply saddening to hear that he is no longer with us to raise his voice for the unheard concerns of basic human rights and dignity of people who use drugs.

Dearest Luke, your legacy will live within all of us forever. The NAPUD Executive Board, the Secretariat Staff, and all members pay our tribute to your commitments and will continue this journey on the paths shown by you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and we hope that it will help everyone move through the process of grieving and healing. Please know that there are many in this world who you have inspired and who are thinking of you.

May your soul Rest In Peace in Heaven!

In deep sorrow,

The entire NAPUD family

NOTE: The funeral will most probably be on the 14th in Delhi. Please contact Loon Gangte and Ricky Arama Chhakchhuak for more details.