NEWS & EVENTS

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.

On 21^st January 2025, The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) has once again demonstrated its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of individuals affected by leprosy. In a recent initiative, the newly elected APAL State Committee in Bihar organized a Nutrition Support Program aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of those affected by leprosy and their families. The event was held at the Missionaries of Charity in Prem Nagar, Gonpura, Phulwari Sharif, Patna, and was marked by the active participation of several APAL leaders and members.

During the program, essential food grains were distributed to the beneficiaries, ensuring that their dietary needs were met. The distribution was graced by the presence of Ms. Maya Ranavare, the President of APAL, whose leadership and dedication have been pivotal in driving APAL’s mission forward. Alongside her was Mr. Ramavrai Sah, the Joint Secretary of APAL, who played a crucial role in the planning and execution of the initiative. The entire state committee came together, contributing their time, resources, and efforts to make this event a success.

This initiative highlights APAL’s unwavering focus on addressing the holistic needs of individuals affected by leprosy, beyond just healthcare. By ensuring access to nutrition, APAL continues to promote the dignity and well-being of these individuals, fostering a sense of inclusion and support within the community. The collaborative efforts of the state committee and leadership reflect the organization’s dedication to its core values of compassion and service.

On 21^st January 2025,The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) recently convened a significant meeting with its State Committee in Bihar. This meeting served as a platform for meaningful engagement and dialogue among participants regarding the current circumstances encountered by the leprosy-affected community. The committee addressed the challenges and barriers faced by individuals impacted by leprosy, both within designated leprosy colonies and in the wider society. Strategies and measures to confront these challenges were discussed, emphasizing sustainable solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the comprehensive welfare of the community.

A noteworthy aspect of the meeting was the election of a new management team for the State Committee. APAL extended its congratulations to the newly elected members, underscoring the critical role they will assume in furthering the organization’s objectives. The dialogue also focused on the future responsibilities of the committee in promoting socio-economic empowerment and advancing the welfare of individuals affected by leprosy. These initiatives are designed to uplift both individuals and families living in leprosy colonies, facilitating their integration into mainstream society with dignity and respect. APAL reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a more inclusive culture where all individuals can flourish without facing stigma or discrimination.

On 20^th January2025, The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) recently conducted a Nutrition Support Program at Gandhi Kusht Aashram in Jamira, Ara (Bhojpur). This initiative aimed to provide essential foodgrains to individuals affected by leprosy and their families, ensuring they receive adequate nutritional support. The program is part of APAL’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for people impacted by leprosy and addressing their fundamental needs. The distribution of food grains was met with gratitude and optimism from the beneficiaries, as it alleviated some of the challenges they face in their daily lives.

The program witnessed active participation from key members of APAL, including Ms. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, and Mr. Ramavarai Sah, Joint Secretary of APAL. Their presence underscored the organization’s dedication to standing in solidarity with the leprosy-affected community. The State Committee of APAL in Bihar also played a vital role in organizing and executing the event, ensuring its success. The collective efforts of the APAL leadership and the state team highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives to empower marginalized groups and foster social inclusion.

The collaboration meeting between the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), the Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF), and LEPRA was convened on 19 January 2025 at the Khagual Leprosy Colony in Patna, Bihar. This significant event gathered key stakeholders and leaders from the leprosy community to discuss initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals and families affected by leprosy. The meeting served as a platform to strengthen partnerships and explore collaborative strategies regarding advocacy, healthcare, and social support.

Representatives from APAL’s State Committee and leaders from leprosy colonies across the region actively engaged in the discussions. Mrs. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, emphasized the importance of empowering individuals affected by leprosy and fostering community resilience. Mr. Ramavarai Sah, Joint Secretary of APAL, provided insights into ongoing efforts and future plans designed to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. Representing S-ILF, Mr. Gaurav Sen, CEO of the foundation, highlighted the critical role of sustainable livelihood programs and educational initiatives for communities impacted by leprosy. Mr. Rajnikanth Singh, State Coordinator of LEPRA, reaffirmed LEPRA’s commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare and support services to those in need.

The meeting highlighted the collective commitment of APAL, S-ILF, and LEPRA to collaborate towards achieving a leprosy-free and inclusive society. Discussions centred on addressing the challenges faced by leprosy-affected individuals, advocating for their rights, and creating opportunities for social and economic inclusion. This collaboration represents a vital step towards ensuring that the voices of leprosy-affected communities are acknowledged and their needs are adequately addressed through unified efforts.

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the State Committee of the Association for the People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Telangana coordinated a significant humanitarian initiative in collaboration with Jacob, President of the Grace Service Society. The program aimed to provide assistance to families affected by leprosy in Parvat Nagar (Borabanda) and Rajiv Gandhi Nagar. With the active involvement of Zahed Sharif (Baba), President of Parvat Nagar, DPMO Simhachalam and DPMO Joseph, essential goods, including ration supplies and blankets, were distributed to 170 families. The beneficiaries comprised 100 families affected by leprosy from Parvat Nagar and 70 families from Rajiv Gandhi Nagar.

The event was graced by the presence of Maniyada Ramesh, APAL’s State Coordinator in Telangana, who expressed his support and appreciation for the initiative. Key staff members of the organization, including Muralikrishna Reddy, Satish, A. Manemma, P. Anjamma, Saroja, and Mohan, were integral to the efficient execution of the program. They conveyed their sincere gratitude to all contributors who played a role in ensuring the event’s success. The collective efforts of all involved underscored a commitment to compassion and solidarity in addressing the needs of marginalized communities.

On 13^th January 2025, Maya Ranavare, President of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), along with Dr. Takahiro Nanri, Director of the Sasakawa Health Foundation (SHF), and Dr. Ranganadh Rao, Program Advisor for Medical Issues at SHF, recently convened with Deputy Director General of Leprosy at the Central Leprosy Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

This meeting, held in Delhi, provided an important platform for constructive dialogue regarding the enhancement of leprosy services nationwide. Furthermore, the team conducted a visit to the Ektanagar Leprosy Colony, where they engaged with the residents to gain insights into their experiences and needs.