NEWS & EVENTS

On India’s Independence Day 2024, APAL’s Coordinators and Executive Committee Members actively participated in the celebrations, marking the day with pride and purpose. The Government extended a warm invitation and a grand welcome to these leaders, acknowledging their dedication to the cause of people affected by leprosy. During the event, they delivered compelling speeches that highlighted the importance of freedom and dignity for those living with the challenges of leprosy. Their words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for continued efforts toward equality and respect for all.

APAL took this opportunity to congratulate Maniyada Ramesh, the State Coordinator in Telangana; Mr. Someswar Dubey, the State Coordinator in Bihar; Ms. Shyam Bhai, the State Coordinator in Chhattisgarh; and others for receiving recognition for their unwavering commitment and service. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the empowerment and betterment of individuals affected by leprosy, making them role models in their respective states.

On 12th August 2024, In a significant effort to support individuals affected by leprosy, APAL’s State Committee in Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with Lepra Society, distributed Micro Cellular Rubber (MCR) Footwear to 26 persons at Raj Bhoj Colony and Anand Nagar Colony in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of those affected by leprosy, as MCR Footwear plays a crucial role in preventing foot ulcers and other complications that can arise due to the loss of sensation in the feet, a common issue among leprosy patients.

On behalf of the people affected by leprosy, APAL extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Lepra Society for their valuable and continuous services. Their collaboration and dedication have made a significant difference in the lives of many, ensuring that those often marginalized receive the care and support they need. This partnership exemplifies the power of working together to uplift and empower vulnerable communities.

On the 10th of August 2024, a significant event was held at Big Amberpet, which was organized by the Children of Deccan Foundation to support families affected by leprosy. Essential provisions, including groceries, were distributed to 100 families impacted by leprosy. Ms. Vaddepalli Vidhyavati Vijender Reddy, the Councillor, led this commendable effort and personally distributed the provisions to the beneficiaries. The event saw active participation from Nagalla Malkanna, the founder of the Children of Deccan Foundation, as well as Jinson and Hazel, who made valuable contributions to the program’s success.

During the event, the State Coordinator of APAL, Maniyada Ramesh, emphasized the crucial role that NGOs, such as the one led by Mr. Malkanna, play in aiding underprivileged families affected by leprosy. He appealed for sustained support for these vulnerable communities to enhance their quality of life. In response, Nagalla Malkanna expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues and volunteers for their unwavering support and commitment to this cause. The event marked a significant stride in providing much-needed assistance to those marginalized by society due to leprosy.

On the 9th of August 2024, a significant event took place at the Adilabad Tirupalli Leprosy Colony, where ulcer care kits and tubs were distributed among the residents. This endeavour was made possible through the joint efforts of NTPC and Lepra Society, which provided the necessary resources to enhance the health and well-being of individuals affected by leprosy within the colony.

The distribution was overseen by the State Coordinator of APAL, Mr. Maniyada Ramesh, who personally presented the kits and tubs to the residents. The compassionate gesture was warmly received, and the colony’s inhabitants conveyed their sincere gratitude to the officials of NTPC and Lepra Society for their ongoing support and care.

On the 9th of August 2024, a significant event occurred at the Adilabad Tirupalli Leprosy Colony. Essential items such as blankets, umbrellas, towels, and ration essentials were distributed to the residents affected by leprosy. This initiative was orchestrated by the APAL and the APAL’s state committee (SLAP-TS), with the active cooperation and support of Mr. Bommishetty Shyambabu. Mr. Maniyada Ramesh, the State Coordinator of APAL, also played a pivotal role in the event.

During the distribution, Mr. Ramesh emphasized the severe lack of infrastructure development within the colony. He expressed concern over inadequate facilities, including the absence of proper drainage systems, reliable water supply, water taps, CC roads, and proper waste management systems. The colony’s residents are also facing significant challenges due to the poor condition of their houses and bathrooms.

On behalf of the people affected by leprosy residing in the colony, Mr. Ramesh urged government officials and public representatives to provide these basic facilities immediately. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure to ensure that the leprosy-affected individuals, who are already living in poverty, are not further marginalized. The call to action is a plea for the dignity and well-being of the residents, who deserve a better standard of living and the basic amenities that many take for granted.

APAL expressed gratitude to Mr. Bommishetty Shyambabu for his invaluable kind support to the neediest people affected by the disease of leprosy and their families. Special thanks were also extended to Mr. Ramesh for his dedicated services to leprosy communities.

APAL’s President, Maya Ranavare, recently met with the District Leprosy Officer of Sangli to address a pressing issue faced by persons affected by leprosy in the region. The discussion centred on the challenges these individuals encounter when attempting to obtain disability certificates from the government. Despite their eligibility, many struggle with bureaucratic hurdles and delays, making it difficult for them to access the benefits and support they are entitled to Maya Ranavare emphasized the need for a streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly process to ensure that all eligible individuals can obtain their certificates without unnecessary complications. She proposed that the government should implement a more systematic approach, possibly involving better coordination between medical professionals, government offices, and community organizations, to ensure that these certificates are issued promptly and fairly.

 The District Leprosy Officer acknowledged the concerns and expressed a willingness to work towards simplifying the process, recognizing the importance of empowering persons affected by leprosy through easier access to their rights.

Maya Ranavare also presented the District Leprosy Officer of Sangli with APAL’s annual report book for 2023-2024. This report provides a comprehensive overview of APAL’s efforts and achievements over the past year, highlighting the organization’s dedication to improving the lives of persons affected by leprosy. By sharing this report, Maya aimed to further inform and engage the District Leprosy Officer in APAL’s ongoing initiatives, fostering greater collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by the leprosy-affected community.

On the 7th of August 2024, the State Committee of APAL in Bihar held a significant meeting with Shriman Ganga Prasad ji, the former Governor of Meghalaya, at his residence in Patna. The purpose of the meeting was to request his assistance in organizing a discussion with His Excellency, the Governor of Bihar. The main agenda was to advocate for the expansion of the Bihar Satabadi Kushtha Kalyan Yojana, a welfare program designed to enhance the lives of individuals affected by leprosy.

Understanding the significance of this matter, Shri Ganga Prasad ji facilitated the request and assured the committee that the Governor of Bihar would meet with them within the next 1-2 days. This meeting marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing endeavours to secure more comprehensive support and resources for the leprosy-affected community in Bihar.

A delegation from the APAL’s State Committee in Odisha convened with Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Tuesday to address the dire circumstances of the numerous leprosy victims in the state. The delegation emphasized the urgent need for the government to improve living conditions for these individuals due to insufficient medical facilities and healthcare, resulting in severe hardships for many patients.

The delegation informed the Chief Minister that there are over 50 leprosy patient colonies in the state, lacking essential amenities such as clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and adequate housing. They stressed the necessity for the government to promptly address these issues and provide improved living conditions for the affected individuals.

Financial constraints prevent many patients from obtaining proper treatment, and the delegation requested the government to offer free medical care and financial assistance to these individuals. Furthermore, they urged the implementation of welfare schemes specifically benefiting leprosy patients and their families.

Assuring the delegation of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of leprosy patients, Chief Minister Manjhi instructed concerned officials to promptly address the raised concerns. He also announced the government’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive plan for improved healthcare facilities and support for leprosy patients statewide.

The meeting, attended by various officials and members of the APAL’s State Committee concluded with the representatives expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for his swift response and assuring their support in implementing the proposed welfare schemes.

On the 5th of August 2024, Jawahar Ram Paswan, the Vice President of APAL, held a meeting with Rajeshwar Mandal, the charge of the TISCO Community Center. The primary focus of this meeting was to address vital initiatives aimed at the betterment of children from leprosy-affected families residing in 20 ashrams of Jamshedpur. The discussions centred on the integration of these children into mainstream society, with a specific emphasis on education, sports, and employment opportunities.

The meeting also delved into the challenges encountered by children who have completed their education but are currently inactive at home. Rajeshwar Mandal affirmed his commitment to supporting these children, ensuring that they have access to the necessary resources and opportunities to pursue further education, engage in sports, and seek employment. His collaboration seeks to empower these children, enabling them to build a more promising and inclusive future.

On Sunday, 4th August 2024, Bishop Durgam Prabhakar, the Founder and President of Bethesda Ministries, orchestrated a compassionate blanket distribution initiative aimed at assisting 40 underprivileged families in B.B. Nagar Leprosy Colony. The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of Bolla Venkat Reddy, Joint Nalgonda District D., and C. Yam. Yes, Chairman, who participated as the chief guest. They personally distributed blankets to the recipients, offering essential solace and warmth.

Maniyada Ramesh, State Coordinator of APAL, delivered an address during the event, shedding light on the inadequate infrastructure within the colony. He articulated concerns regarding the absence of proper drainage systems, sanitation facilities, and well-constructed roads. Furthermore, he highlighted the challenges posed by malodorous conditions and mosquito proliferation resulting from the lack of appropriate waste disposal facilities near the colony. He underscored the urgent necessity for ameliorations and pledged to actively pursue resolutions.

The event also witnessed the participation of several prominent individuals from the BB Nagar Leprosy Society, including Vice President Ellamma Morrigadi Narsimha, Secretary Veeramushti Anjaneyulu Pentaiah, Ym. D. Aziz, Somaiah, Lingamallu Upender, Pastor Kondeti Lazar, Pastor Erpula Christopher, Palvai Ajay, Kishan Kumar, Chindam Venkatesh, and others. Their involvement exemplified the community’s solidarity and dedication to addressing the adversities confronted by the residents of the leprosy colony.