NEWS & EVENTS

APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) is a national organization committed to advocating for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of people affected by leprosy in India. It works to address stigma, ensure access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods, and promote social and economic empowerment.

The APAL State Committee in Maharashtra actively supports these efforts by collaborating with local communities and authorities to implement welfare schemes and raise awareness about leprosy-related issues.

Recently, MLA Manisha Chowdhary visited the Borivali Leprosy Colony in Mumbai and interacted with residents to understand their challenges. She discussed housing schemes, especially concerning the Dahisar Leprosy Colony, emphasizing the need for inclusive development. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, along with Rasul Mullah, Jitendiran, and the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana team, also participated, reinforcing collective efforts to improve the lives of those affected by leprosy

On April 3rd, 2025 (Thursday), the APAL State Committee in Telangana, in collaboration with the Hill of Hope Foundation, organized a medical camp at the Shanthinagar Leprosy Colony. The camp provided free medical check-ups and distributed medicines to the residents, aiming to support the health and well-being of the leprosy-affected community.

Dr. Anantharam, along with Maniyada. Ramesh APAL State Coordinators in Telangana and M. Samuel, played key roles in coordinating the event. The colony’s president, M. Samuel, and secretary, Sk. Rahemathulla, also actively participated in the program, ensuring smooth execution and encouraging community involvement.

On April 3, 2025, an eye check-up camp was organized at Vinoba Ashram and Birsa Ashram in collaboration with Trinetram Eye Hospital. The camp was led by Mr. Jawahar Ram Paswan.

During the camp, a large number of individuals underwent eye examinations and received assessments regarding their eye health. Those identified as needing surgery were registered for further treatment. Eye surgeries have been scheduled for April 24, 2025.

The success of this camp was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Ram Manjhi, Gauri Behera, and Suru Bhagat. Their active participation and support played a crucial role in the smooth execution of the initiative.

The objective of this initiative was to raise awareness about eye health within the community and to ensure timely access to necessary medical care. We express our sincere gratitude to Trinetram Eye Hospital and all supporters for their commendable efforts in making this camp a success.

On 3rd April 2025, the State Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Jharkhand conducted a field visit to Mahatma Gandhi Cast Colony in Baljoria, Dhanbad and Prem Nagar Leprosy Colony in Saharpura, Sindri. The visit was led by Representative Madhusudan Tiwari, with the core objective of understanding the ground-level issues being faced by the leprosy-affected residents and evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing government welfare schemes.

A significant focus during the visit was placed on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), a central housing scheme aimed at ensuring “Housing for All”. The APAL team interacted with residents, listened to their concerns, and assessed the housing conditions of the families living in these colonies. Based on these interactions and site inspections, a preliminary list of eligible families is being compiled.

This list will be submitted to the relevant government authorities, ensuring that the identified families are included in the PMAY beneficiary list and can avail permanent housing. APAL’s initiative reflects its continued commitment to uplifting the lives of people affected by leprosy, advocating for their rights, and ensuring access to basic needs like safe and dignified housing. This visit marks another important step in bridging the gap between marginalized communities and government support systems.

On 3rd April 2025, the APAL State Committee in Haryana, in collaboration with the Red Cross Society, organized a successful eye check-up camp at the Rohtak Kusht Ashram. Mr. Sanjay Miglani, Chairman of the Red Cross Society, Chandigarh, led the initiative. The primary goal of the camp was to provide essential eye care services to residents of the Kusht Ashram, most of whom are persons affected by leprosy, as well as to extend the service to the general public in the surrounding area.

Nearly 150 individuals actively participated in the event, availing themselves of the eye screening services. The medical team from the Civil Hospital, including Dr. Dinesh Kumar and Dr. K.S. Sharma, played a crucial role in conducting the eye examinations and offering expert advice to the attendees. Their contribution ensured that participants received timely and professional healthcare services.

Key members from the Red Cross Society also extended their support to make the event a success. Among them were Mr. Shyam Sunder, Secretary of the Red Cross Society in Rohtak; Mr. Ashish from the Accounts Department; Mr. Vishal and Mr. Dhaniya from the Red Cross Rohtak team. Their dedication and coordination were instrumental in the smooth execution of the camp.

Mr. P. Govindswamy, Board Member of APAL, warmly welcomed all the guests and expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the community. He thanked the Red Cross Society and all the officials involved for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of persons affected by leprosy. The event stood as a fine example of community collaboration and support for a marginalized section of society.

On 2^nd April 2025, APAL’s President, Maya Ranavare, participated in the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin, representing persons affected by leprosy on the global stage. Her participation was sponsored and supported by GLRA India.

The Global Disability Summit serves as a crucial platform to accelerate global efforts toward disability inclusion. It brings together diverse high-level stakeholders, including governments, multilateral agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities, and foundations. The summit fosters dialogue and collaboration to drive meaningful progress in disability inclusion worldwide.

Through her presence, Maya Ranavare highlighted the challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy and advocated for their rights, inclusion, and access to opportunities. Her engagement reinforced the importance of addressing leprosy-related stigma and ensuring that disability inclusion efforts encompass the needs of all marginalized groups.

On 31^st March 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Maharashtra recently visited the Sanjay Nagar colony in Borivali, Mumbai, to engage with the residents and understand their living conditions. This visit aimed to assess the challenges faced by the leprosy-affected community and discuss potential solutions to improve their quality of life.

During the visit, APAL representatives, along with the colony leaders and community members, engaged in meaningful discussions regarding housing, healthcare, social inclusion, and access to government welfare schemes. Maya Ranavare, a key leader and advocate for the rights of leprosy-affected individuals, actively participated in the meeting, lending her voice to the concerns of the residents. The discussions revolved around improving sanitation, securing financial aid, and ensuring better healthcare services for the community.

The visit by APAL’s State Committee in Maharashtra underscored the organization’s commitment to empowering people affected by leprosy and advocating for their rights. The interaction not only highlighted the pressing issues faced by the Sanjay Nagar residents but also served as a platform for finding practical solutions in collaboration with local leaders. The committee assured the residents of their continued support and efforts to push for policy changes that would lead to better living conditions for the leprosy-affected community in Maharashtra.

On 29^th March 2025, The APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) State Committee in Madhya Pradesh recently held its annual meeting in Indore, bringing together key representatives and advocates dedicated to the welfare of individuals affected by leprosy. The meeting served as an essential platform to assess the current living conditions in the leprosy community and identify critical services still required for their well-being and social upliftment.

Among the prominent attendees were Mr. Sarang Gayadhane, Secretary of APAL, and Mr. Satish Chowdary, State Coordinator of GLRA (German Leprosy and TB Relief Association) in Madhya Pradesh. From the APAL State Committee, active participation was seen from Mr. Raju, Ms. Hira, Mr. Gopal, Ms. Rekha, Ms. Sarita, Mr. Rajaram, and Ms. Meera. The discussions focused on addressing key challenges faced by the leprosy-affected community, including access to healthcare, social inclusion, livelihood opportunities, and essential support services.

The meeting reinforced APAL’s commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of those affected by leprosy, ensuring they receive adequate support and integration into mainstream society. The collective efforts of the participants highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and welfare organizations to bridge service gaps and improve the quality of life for the leprosy-affected community in Madhya Pradesh.

Report: APAL Vice President Shri Jawahar Ram Paswan Attended Udayan’s Foundation Day

Date: 25/03/2025Venue: Udayan Campus, West Bengal

The 55th Foundation Day of Udayan Sanstha was a significant occasion marked by the presence of distinguished guests, including Shri Jawahar Ram Paswan, Vice President of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL). The event saw the participation of all Udayan family officials, including the Director, Deputy Director, Superintendent, Sapan Da, and other esteemed dignitaries.

During his address, Shri Jawahar Ram Paswan acknowledged and commended the exceptional contributions of Udayan Sanstha towards the welfare of children from families affected by leprosy. He emphasized that the organization has been a beacon of hope for many, providing education, self-reliance, and social rehabilitation opportunities. He lauded Udayan’s unwavering commitment to empowering these children and helping them integrate into mainstream society.

Shri Paswan took a moment to highlight the success stories of several individuals who have benefitted from Udayan’s initiatives and have now carved a respectable place for themselves in society. Among them were:

Mahesh Gorai – Advocate

Dhan Singh – Successful Businessman

Umesh Gorai – Physiotherapist

Vishal Karmakar – Businessman

Yudhistir Dutta – Businessman

These inspiring individuals stand as a testament to the transformative impact of Udayan’s efforts in nurturing talent and fostering self-sufficiency among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Furthermore, Shri Paswan made a heartfelt appeal to Udayan Sanstha to extend its hostel facilities to accommodate children from other leprosy-affected families in Jharkhand and Bengal. He expressed his confidence that such an initiative would enable more children to receive quality education and uplift their lives. On behalf of APAL India, he assured full support and collaboration in advancing this noble cause.

The event concluded on a positive note with Udayan Sanstha expressing its sincere gratitude to Shri Jawahar Ram Paswan for his presence and unwavering support. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its social service endeavors, ensuring a brighter future for children affected by leprosy.

On 22^nd March 2025, Mr. Jawahar Paswan, Vice President of APAL, and Mr. Ramavarai Sah, Joint Secretary, have actively represented APAL at key national events. Their participation in the National Disability Network (NDN) and NCEPEDPE highlights their commitment to advocating for disability rights and inclusion in policy discussions.

They also attended the prestigious Purple Festival at the President of India’s residence, celebrating inclusivity and the achievements of persons with disabilities. Their presence at these significant events reinforces APAL’s dedication to strengthening advocacy efforts and promoting a more inclusive society.