On 5th December 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Stepping Stone Charitable Society, organized an important awareness program on leprosy in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The initiative aimed to educate the community about the facts related to leprosy and to support families affected by the disease who live outside the traditional leprosy colonies.

As part of the program, food grains were distributed to 25 families affected by leprosy, ensuring essential support to those who are often overlooked and living in vulnerable conditions. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the timely assistance and the humanitarian efforts of both organizations.

During the awareness session, Mr. Jitendran APAL’s State Coordinator in Maharashtra and other officials from the medical department provided detailed information about leprosy, its symptoms, consequences, and the availability of free and effective treatment. They strongly highlighted that leprosy is caused by a micro-bacterium and is not contagious, urging everyone to share this message widely to reduce fear, stigma, and misinformation in society.