NEWS & EVENTS

On 12^th February 2024, On the occasion of Gandhi’s death anniversary, a special event was held in Sanjay Gandhinagar Moulali Colony to celebrate the eradication of leprosy. Representatives from the Reliable Trust, including Cheap Satyanand, distributed essential commodities to 90 families who were affected by leprosy. The event was attended by several individuals, including Head Constable SK Rafi (Slap-Tis) as a representative of PIS CI, EC member K Anusuya B Venkataiah, Malkajgiri, Mr. Ramesh State Coordinator of APAL and various colony residents.

The APAL state committee in Telangana expressed their gratitude to the representatives of Reliable Trust for their efforts in making the event a success. The distribution of essential commodities to families affected by leprosy is a crucial initiative in the fight against this disease. The event demonstrated the commitment of the organizers and participants to the cause of leprosy eradication.

Overall, the event was a testament to the effectiveness of community-based initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by leprosy. The participation of various stakeholders, including government officials, non-profit organizations, and community members, highlights the importance of a collaborative approach in achieving the goal of leprosy eradication.

On 12^th February 2024, Mrs. Maya Ranavare, on behalf of APAL (Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy), met Manisha Chaudhary, at the Member of Legislative Assembly – Dahisar, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Mrs Chaudhary is a member of the BJP for Maharashtra and has previously served as a National Executive Member and Mangroves Committee member.

The meeting proved fruitful as the two discussed pertinent issues such as the PM Awas Yojana and the land issue affecting Pushp Vihar Colony. Specifically, they addressed concerns about funding housing projects through the PM Awas Yojana and their equitable distribution to keep in accord with the scheme’s inclusive mandate.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the ongoing land issue impacting the quality of life of Pushp Vihar’s residents adversely. Mrs. Ranavare brought these issues to Manisha Chaudhary, and the MLA responded positively to their concerns. She offered suggestions on steps to be taken to address these pressing concerns. Also, she acknowledged the need for focused efforts to improve the lives of those affected by diseases like leprosy.

APAL, grateful for the open and continuous dialogue with Mrs Chaudhary on these sensitive topics, thanked her for her positive response and continues to extend its cooperation to government initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life of those affected by leprosy.

Overall, Mrs Ranavare’s meeting with Manisha Chaudhary promises much for the 100 families affected by residents in the Pushp Vihar community. The productive exchange is a reminder of the vital role that advocacy and dialogue play in tackling complex issues related to public welfare. APAL hopes that both public and private stakeholders continue to collaborate for the well-being of those affected by leprosy.

On the 10th of February 2024, Mrs. Maya Ranavare and the authorities from the Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (APAL) had the honour of meeting with the 19th Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Ram Naik, at their premises. This meeting was a significant opportunity for the APAL authorities to interact with a distinguished political figure and offer their congratulations to him on his recent Padma Bhushan award.

Mr. Ram Naik is a veteran politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who has had a long and illustrious career in Indian politics. He held the position of Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha for several years. The government appointed him as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh in 2014, a role he served in until 2019. Furthermore, Mr. Naik has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan award in recognition of his invaluable contributions to public service.

During the meeting, the APAL authorities extended their congratulations to Mr. Naik on his recent accolade and expressed their sincere admiration for his unwavering dedication to the field of public service. Moreover, they brought up important topics related to PM Awas Yojana and Disability Pension, which offered insights into various areas that will help persons affected by leprosy all across the country.

Overall, the meeting was incredibly informative and gave the APAL authorities the chance to engage with a seasoned political figure. Mr. Naik shared his extensive knowledge with the authorities, and the meeting ended successfully on all fronts. It is a reminder of the great strides being made towards addressing health and social concerns impacting people affected by leprosy across the country.

On 8^th February 2024, On the occasion of the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a ceremony was held in Balajinagar Mother Teresa Colony to celebrate leprosy eradication activities. Representatives from the Reliable Trust, including Cheif Mr Satyanand, distributed essential commodities to 60 families affected by leprosy in collaboration with APAL’s State Committee in Telangana.

The event was attended by Simharaju Garu, Deputy Paramedical Officer of Johar Nagar PHC, Joseph Garu, Deputy Paramedical Officer of Malkajgiri PHC, K Anusuya Member of the State Committee, and residents of the Colony.

APAL extend our gratitude to the representatives of the Reliable Trust for their efforts in assisting those in need and special thanks to Mr. Ramesh State Coordinator of APAL for his active contribution in the leprosy fields.

On 7^th February 2024, The State Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Bihar recently organized an awareness program on leprosy at primary schools located in Maa Jankinager Colony, Sitamarhi, Bihar. The program aimed to educate students and their families about the disease, including its prevention and treatment.

The initiative is commendable as it recognizes the importance of raising awareness about leprosy, which is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. By educating young students at an early age, the program has the potential to create a lasting impact on the community’s health and well-being.

Overall, the program’s success can be measured by its ability to raise awareness and empower individuals with knowledge about leprosy. Such initiatives are critical in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, and we applaud APAL’s State Committee for their dedication and efforts towards this cause.

Special thanks to Mr. Brij Kishore Secretary of the State Committee for his contribution in the awareness program.

On 6^th February 2024, The State Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Uttar Pradesh recently organized an awareness program on leprosy at Navjeevan Inter College, Mohanlalganj, Uttar Pradesh. The program aimed to educate children and teachers about the public awareness and symptoms of leprosy.

The initiative was undertaken as a part of the APAL’s efforts to raise awareness about the disease, which continues to be a major health concern in many parts of the world. Through the program, the participants were informed about the various aspects of leprosy, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Overall, the program was highly successful in raising awareness among the participants about the importance of early detection and treatment of leprosy. It is hoped that such initiatives will help in reducing the stigma associated with the disease and in improving the lives of people affected by it.

On 6^th February 2024, The Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) state committee in West Bengal conducted an event on Fortnight World Leprosy Day at the Manipur Leprosy Rehabilitation Center in Manipur, West Bengal. The event’s objective was to enhance awareness about leprosy through public rallies.

The event witnessed active participation from students and local stakeholders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Nabakumar Das for his valuable contribution towards this awareness program.

On 3^rd February 2024, The initiatives that aim to provide support and accommodation for the healthy children of leprosy patients, such as the Leprosy Ashram Bindova, warrant appreciation. Additionally, the collaboration between APAL’s state committee in Uttar Pradesh, Seva Samarpan Sansthan and Hindustan Petroleum to create accommodation facilities equipped with 10 cameras is commendable.

The provision of vocational training in candle-making, incense sticks, and other skills is a positive step towards empowering individuals who may be suffering from leprosy or disabilities. This kind of training has the potential to contribute to their economic independence and overall well-being.

Initiatives such as these play a significant role in creating a supportive environment for individuals affected by leprosy and their families.

On 3^rd February 2024, The efforts of APAL’s State Committee in Odisha, the inauguration of pucca houses in Lingaraj Leprosy Colony, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Sri Naveen Patnaik, is a positive step towards providing better living conditions for the residents. The inclusion of basic facilities such as a kitchen, dressing room, bedroom, dining hall, lavatory, and bathroom is crucial for improving the overall quality of life for the people in the colony.

The availability of a ramp facility is also a commendable addition, as it ensures accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. This initiative reflects a commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable housing solutions, contributing to the well-being and dignity of the residents.

It’s heartening to see government efforts aimed at improving the living standards of communities, especially in areas that may have faced challenges in the past. Such initiatives play a vital role in addressing social issues and promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.

On 2^nd February 2024, APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) in partnership with the Government of Meghalaya conducted the Fortnight World Leprosy Day program. The program was designed to increase awareness about leprosy while acknowledging the contributions of leprosy champions and the medical department. The program also involved the presentation of scarves to honour the authorities such as MD SLO MI DHS and other MDs of Meghalaya.

During the program, APAL’s Joint Secretary, Mr. Ramavarai Sah, visited the leprosy colonies and provided an overview of the organization’s services. The aim was to create awareness among the leprosy-affected people and to emphasize the need for their holistic development. The visit helped the organization to establish a direct connection with the community and understand their specific needs. The initiative was well-received by the community, and APAL’s efforts were appreciated by all stakeholders.

The program successfully spread awareness of leprosy, an important public health issue. The recognition of leprosy champions and the medical department acknowledge their significant contributions to the cause.

In conclusion, APAL’s Fortnight World Leprosy Day program in Meghalaya raises awareness of leprosy and recognizes the dedication of those involved in the fight against the disease.