NEWS & EVENTS

On 14^th September 2023, APAL and APAL’s state committee in Bihar (SAMUTHAN) had the opportunity to meet with the ADS of East Champaran District alongside persons affected by leprosy from Bihar and state committee leaders. We had the chance to voice our concerns and were grateful to have our problems solved. It was a productive and positive meeting.

APAL want to express my gratitude to ADS of East Champaran District for their invaluable support. Their positive response was truly appreciated and we would also like to extend a special thanks to Mr. Somewswara Dubey State Coordinator of APAL, Mr. Ramavarai Sah Joint Secretary of APAL, and our other leaders for their interventions and contributions to the leprosy community. Their efforts are truly commendable and have made a significant impact.

 On 13^th September 2023, Mrs. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, recently met with Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS), the Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. During the meeting, she emphasized the need to abolish laws that allow discrimination based on leprosy disease. The secretary assured her that he would take necessary steps with concerned authorities to initiate steps towards abolishing or repealing discriminatory laws.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Leprosy Mission India, VIDHI Centre of Legal Policy, National Centre for Employment for Disabled People Sasakawa Health Foundation, and WHO. The secretary supported organizing an event around World Leprosy Day, 30 January, Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi Ji to bring all stakeholders together to sensitize the issue of stigma against leprosy and steps to be taken to eliminate discrimination.

Mrs. Maya Ranavare handed over a copy of the annual report to the Secretary, of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

APAL’s state committee in Telangana, in collaboration with Share the Vision Swa Chanda Seva Sansthan, distributed essential commodities to the people affected by leprosy at Shantinagar Colony in Hyderabad. The program aimed to help people affected by leprosy, with Share the Vision charitable organization (Khammam) distributing essential commodities to 100 families.

The event was graced by Municipal Commissioner Mr. S. Ravinder Reddy and Mrs. Vidyavati Vijender Reddy (4th Ward Councilor) as chief guests who expressed their desire to continue organizing such programs in collaboration with Share the Vision Swa Chhanda Seva organization.

Share the Vision President Narayana, Treasurer Pal Sadguna Rao, and Sudhir Babu expressed their gratitude to M. Ramesh, State Coordinator of APAL, for supporting the event.

APAL is grateful to Share the Vision Swa Chanda Seva Sansthan for their commendable services to people affected by leprosy and their families, and a special thanks to Mr. Ramesh State Coordinator of APAL for his contribution.

On 7^th September 2023, During their visit to Sanjay Nagar Leprosy Colony in Borivali, Mumbai, the president of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) and the state committee in Maharashtra meticulously observed the healthcare and ulcer care services offered by the Dressing Unit situated within the colony. Impressed by the dedication and efficacy of the services, they extended their commendation towards the active involvement of Colony leader Mr. Shapi Sheikh and the skilled dresser in advancing the field of leprosy care.

Their appreciation underscored the crucial role played by individuals like Mr. Sheikh and the dresser in alleviating the plight of those affected by leprosy, fostering hope and health within the community.

On 5^th September 2023, The Government of Andhra Pradesh has recently sanctioned and distributed disability pensions to 20 individuals affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities at Jyothi Nagar Leprosy Colony in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative was made possible through the efforts of APAL’s state committee in Andhra Pradesh.

APAL is grateful to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for their invaluable services to individuals affected by leprosy, and would like to extend a special thanks to Mr. Prakash Done, Working President of the state committee in Andhra Pradesh, and Mr. TSM Raju, Volunteer Youth of APAL, for their contributions in the distributions and the leprosy fields.

On 3^rd September 2023, As per the request of APAL’s state committee in Andhra Pradesh and the leaders of Jyothi Leprosy Colony, the Government of Andhra Pradesh sanctioned, constructed and inaugurated an Urban Primary Health Center at Jyothi Leprosy Colony in Bhimavaram, AP, The UPH Centre was inaugurated by RESPECTED Mr Grandhi Srinivas, MLA of West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh.

APAL would like to express deep gratitude to the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Mr. Grandhi Srinivas for his unwavering support. Special thanks are also due to Mr. Prakash Done, Working President of the State Committee, Mr. Veeraju, Secretary of the State Committee, and Mr. TSM Raju, Volunteer Youth Committee of APAL, for their invaluable contributions to the leprosy community.

On 27^th August 2023, The APAL’s state committee in Delhi and some young people met with Mrs. Shaili Oberai, the MCD Mayor. They submitted a memorandum requesting that at least 4% of cleaning staff employment opportunities be made available to people affected by leprosy and their family members. This would help to improve living conditions for those who have been impacted by this disease.

APAL wants to thank Mrs. Shaili Oberai for her prompt and positive response in providing cleaning staff and comfortable hospitality for our organization; APAL want to extend a special thank you to Mr. Giridhari Lal, State Coordinator of APAL, Mr. Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the state committee, and Mr. Arjun, Joint-Secretary of the state committee for their valuable contributions to advocacy and working with relevant authorities on behalf of our cause. Their efforts have been greatly appreciated.

On 26^th August 2023, APAL had a wonderful visit to Tahirpur Leprosy Colony in Delhi along with the Sasakawa Health Foundation and APAL’s state committee. We had the opportunity to interact with the colony leaders, youth, and beneficiaries of the livelihood and education scholarship program. The support from Sasakawa has made a significant impact on the community, and we were honored to witness the positive changes firsthand. Thank you, the nobleman and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for leprosy elimination Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, for your continued efforts in making a difference in people’s lives.

During the visit, APA L’s team Mrs Maya Ranavare, President, Mr Prakash Done Treasurer, Mr Giridhari Lal State Coordinator, Mr. Vijay Kumar and Mr. Arjunram APAL’s youth had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Takahiro Nanri, CEO of SHF, and Mao Program Manager of SHF, who joined us to interact with the colony residents. We had a fruitful discussion on various key points, including the tireless advocacy support of Mr. Sasakawa on the empowerment of people affected by leprosy, the history of colony establishment, the current living conditions of the inmates, the status of social entitlements, and healthcare services.

We also took a tour around the colony, observing its infrastructure and gaining insights into the lives of the residents. It was a valuable experience, and we are grateful to SHF for the opportunity to have participated in such an important meeting.

APAL expresses our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ranganadh Rao for all of the invaluable support and contributions he has provided. His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in our success, and we are truly grateful for his efforts. Thank you, Dr. Rao, for your unwavering support and tireless commitment to our organization. We couldn’t have done it without you!

On 26^th August 2023, APAL had the opportunity to meet with Mr Sanjay Pandey, Joint Secretary Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, at the Nirman Bhawan, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in Delhi. Along with the Sasakawa Health Foundation team, we discussed the urgent need to appeal against laws that impact persons affected by leprosy in India.

It’s unfortunate that there is still a stigma surrounding Leprosy and societal discrimination towards persons affected by leprosy. Discriminatory provisions in over 100 Central and State Acts and Rules unfairly label Leprosy as a “loathsome” and “dangerous” disease, which prevents those who have been cured from pursuing certain professions and even using local transportation. It’s unacceptable that these laws also prevent people from contesting in elections and holding positions of authority in universities. We need to raise awareness about these discriminatory laws and their impact on those affected by Leprosy and work towards amending or repealing them. It’s important to sensitize duty bearers on the causes and contagiousness of Leprosy and discuss ways to amend or repeal these laws to create a fair and just society for all.

The discriminative laws have caused many to face segregation from their families and society, as well as stigma and discrimination. Additionally, they have been denied access to education and employment opportunities. It was a productive meeting, and we hope that our efforts will lead to positive change for fellow people affected by leprosy in India.

APAL wanted to express our gratitude to Dr. Takahiro Nanri, CEO of SHF, Dr. Rashmi Shukla from NPO (Leprosy) WHO India, Dr. Ranghanadh Rao, Ms. Mao Hasebe Program Officer, Mrs. Maya Ranavare, President of APAL, Mrs. Nikita Sarah Head – Advocacy & Communication of TLMTI and Mr. Prakash Done, Treasurer of APAL. They all participated and contributed to the efforts of APAL.

On 27^th August 2023, On 25th August 2023, APAL’s state committee in Bihar made a significant intervention by identifying children in need of ITI Trade training, who reside in leprosy colonies. The committee recommended 14 students to TLM ITI in Nasik, Maharashtra, providing them with an opportunity to learn valuable skills and improve their future prospects. This action demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to essential resources and education.

APAL just wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude to TLM for their invaluable support of the children who are living with leprosy. I also want to extend a special “thank you” to Mr. Someswara Dubey, the State Coordinator of APAL, and the state committee in Bihar for their generous contribution in recommending education support. These efforts truly make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.