NEWS & EVENTS

On 11th February 2025, on the occasion of World Leprosy Day, the Association of People Affected by Leprosy, alongside Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, organized a significant awareness program aimed at educating the community about leprosy at the College of Physiotherapy in Miraj. This event sought to address the stigma associated with leprosy and to foster a comprehensive understanding of the disease, including its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. The program engaged students, faculty members, and community participants, promoting a collective effort to enhance knowledge and sensitivity regarding this important health issue.

The initiative emphasized the critical nature of early diagnosis and the necessity of supporting individuals affected by leprosy. Through informative presentations and interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to challenge and dispel prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease. Various educational materials, including posters and formal presentations, were utilized to convey essential messages effectively. The event underscored the pivotal role of healthcare professionals, particularly nursing students, in advocating for the inclusion and rehabilitation of individuals affected by leprosy.

10th February 2025, on the occasion of World Leprosy Day, the Association of People Affected by Leprosy, alongside Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, organized a significant awareness program aimed at educating the community about leprosy at Saksh College of Nursing in Miraj. This event sought to address the stigma associated with leprosy and to foster a comprehensive understanding of the disease, including its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. The program engaged nursing students, faculty members, and community participants, promoting a collective effort to enhance knowledge and sensitivity regarding this important health issue.

The initiative emphasized the critical nature of early diagnosis and the necessity of providing support to individuals affected by leprosy. Through informative presentations and interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to challenge and dispel prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease. Various educational materials, including posters and formal presentations, were utilized to effectively convey essential messages. The event underscored the pivotal role of healthcare professionals, particularly nursing students, in advocating for the inclusion and rehabilitation of individuals affected by leprosy.

On 6th February 2025, In collaboration with Share the Vision, APAL’s State Committee in Telangana successfully distributed food grains to 40 families of persons affected by leprosy at Vadrikal Leprosy Colony in Kamareddy District, Telangana. This initiative aimed to provide essential support to some of the most vulnerable individuals, ensuring they have access to basic necessities. The event was conducted in the presence of key community leaders and volunteers who played a significant role in making the distribution seamless and effective.

APAL extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Narayana, Director of the Trust, for his invaluable services in supporting the neediest individuals affected by leprosy and their families. His unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts continues to bring hope and relief to marginalized communities. Special thanks are also extended to Mr. Maniyada Ramesh, APAL’s State Coordinator in Telangana, along with Mr. Uppalayya and Mr. Narsaiah, the colony leaders, for their crucial contributions in organising and facilitating the distribution. Their dedication and collective efforts ensured that the aid reached the families most in need, reinforcing the spirit of compassion and community support.

On 3^rd February 2025, On the special occasion of Montfort’s birthday, ST in collaboration with APAL’s State Committee in Telangana organized a noble service program to support 100 leprosy-affected individuals across various colonies. As part of this initiative, each beneficiary received 10 kg of rice, ₹500 in cash, and a wholesome lunch.

The program was conducted in the following colonies:

Shanthi Nagar Colony

Shanthi Nagar Colony

Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, IDPL

Sanjay Gandhi Nagar, Moulali

Mother Teresa Colony, Balaji Nagar

This humanitarian effort aimed to bring relief and joy to those in need, reflecting the spirit of compassion and social responsibility. ST’s dedication to serving the less fortunate has been truly inspiring, and this event was a testament to the belief that “Service to humanity is service to God.”

On 3^rd February 2025, The APAL team, along with WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Dr. Takahiro Nanri, Director of the Sasakawa Health Foundation (SHF), and his team, visited Jaatna Leprosy Colony and Jagannath Leprosy Colony in Odisha.

During their visit, they engaged with the residents, including persons affected by leprosy and their families, to understand their challenges and offer support. As part of their humanitarian efforts, they distributed essential food grains to the families, ensuring they had access to basic necessities.

On 3^rd February 2025, World Leprosy Day was commemorated with great compassion and service at Gandhi Leprosy Seva Sangh, APAL’s State Committee in Gujarat in collaboration with Gateway of Engineering College. This significant occasion aimed to spread awareness about leprosy and extend support to those affected by the disease. Volunteers, dignitaries, and well-wishers gathered to honour the resilience of leprosy-affected individuals and emphasize the need for social inclusion and care. The event served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to eradicate stigma and uplift the lives of those living in leprosy colonies.

As part of the humanitarian efforts, grocery kits were distributed to leprosy patients and residents of nearby colonies. These essential supplies provided much-needed relief to families facing financial hardships due to social exclusion and limited livelihood opportunities. The initiative was met with gratitude and smiles, as beneficiaries received the kits with heartfelt appreciation. The event not only provided material assistance but also conveyed a message of empathy, reinforcing the belief that those affected by leprosy deserve dignity, care, and equal opportunities in society

On 1^st February 2025, APAL’s State Committee in West Bengal actively participated in the World Leprosy Day celebrations organized by Milan Sangh in West Bengal. This significant event brought together various stakeholders, including persons affected by leprosy, healthcare professionals, and social workers, to raise awareness about leprosy and advocate for the rights and dignity of those impacted by the disease. The participation of APAL’s State Committee underscored their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion, rehabilitation, and empowerment of affected individuals.

During the event, APAL representatives engaged in discussions shared insights on challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy, and emphasized the need for continued efforts in early detection, treatment, and social reintegration. The program included awareness campaigns, cultural performances, and interactive sessions aimed at breaking stigma and fostering a supportive community. Milan Sangh’s initiative, in collaboration with APAL, highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the concerns of those affected by leprosy and ensuring their rightful place in society.

The celebration of Leprosy Day at Ramnagar Leprosy Colony, Danapur, Patna, was organized under the leadership of APAL’s State Committee in Bihar, demonstrating a strong commitment to the rights and well-being of individuals affected by leprosy. APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) has been instrumental in advocating for the dignity and social inclusion of leprosy-affected persons, and this event further reinforced their efforts. The program was marked by the enthusiastic participation of residents, healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers united in their mission to spread awareness and dispel leprosy myths. Through various activities, the attendees gained valuable insights into the medical, social, and emotional aspects of the disease, fostering a more compassionate and informed perspective.

A highlight of the event was the oath-taking ceremony, where all present vowed to actively contribute to the eradication of leprosy-related stigma and discrimination. This pledge served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that individuals affected by the disease receive the respect, care, and opportunities they deserve. The commitment of APAL’s State Committee in Bihar to promoting awareness and early treatment was evident in the speeches and interactive sessions held during the event. Participants were encouraged to engage in community outreach and advocacy efforts, emphasizing that leprosy is curable and that those affected should not face social exclusion.

The program also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, whose deep compassion for leprosy patients remains an enduring source of inspiration. His philosophy of service and inclusion resonated throughout the event, reinforcing the importance of humanitarian efforts in eliminating prejudice against leprosy-affected individuals. The event concluded with a renewed sense of determination among all attendees to work towards a society where leprosy patients are treated with dignity and are fully integrated into the community. APAL’s State Committee in Bihar reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its advocacy and support initiatives, ensuring that awareness and sensitivity toward leprosy remain a priority in public discourse.

On January 29, 2025, a ration distribution program was conducted in Shantinagar Colony, benefiting 30 families affected by leprosy. This noble initiative was made possible through the generosity of local donor Madam Aruna and her family, who extended their support to ensure that essential supplies reached those in need. Their kindness and commitment to social welfare brought much-needed relief to these families, reinforcing the importance of community-driven humanitarian efforts.

APAL expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Madam Aruna for her invaluable services in supporting persons affected by leprosy. Her compassionate contribution reflects a deep sense of empathy and solidarity with marginalized communities. Additionally, APAL extends special thanks to its State Coordinator in Telangana, Maniyada Ramesh, for his active role in organizing and facilitating the distribution. His dedication and efforts played a crucial part in ensuring the smooth execution of the program, demonstrating the power of teamwork in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

On 27^th January 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Madhya Pradesh organized an awareness program on leprosy for the nursing students of Choithram Nursing College at Babulpura Kusht Ashram, Bamnaganga, Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The program aimed to educate future healthcare professionals about the physical, social, and mental consequences of leprosy, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in their approach to treating and supporting individuals affected by the disease. This initiative sought to dispel myths and stigma surrounding leprosy while encouraging students to play a proactive role in its eradication and in improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

During the session, Mr. Sarang Gayadhane, Secretary of APAL, addressed the audience, providing insights into the medical and social dimensions of leprosy. He highlighted how the disease impacts individuals not only physically but also socially and mentally due to the deep-rooted stigma associated with it. He urged the students to approach the care of leprosy-affected individuals with compassion and dignity. The principal of Choithram Nursing College also participated in the event, underscoring the significance of such programs in building awareness among healthcare students. The nursing students actively engaged in the discussion, showing keen interest in understanding the challenges faced by leprosy-affected individuals and ways to support them effectively. This collaborative effort marked a significant step toward fostering awareness and reducing prejudice against leprosy within the healthcare community.