NEWS & EVENTS

On 27^th September 2023, In collaboration with the Reliable Charity Organization, APAL’s state committee in Telangana recently provided essential commodities to 90 families affected by leprosy in Parvath Nagar (Borabanda). It was an honour to have Allapur Corporator Smt. as our esteemed chief guest. Sabiha Gausuddin and Parvat Nagar President Mr. D. Jahed Sharif (Baba) expressed their appreciation for Ravi, the president of the organization, for his numerous charitable initiatives and encouraged him to continue his good work.

APAL also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr Ramesh APAL state coordinator, and Mr Parushuram Ms. Maniyamma, for their invaluable contributions to this program, which were recognized by the Reliable Charity Organization. The residents of Parvat Nagar Colony were deeply grateful for the support and assistance provided by the Reliable Charity organization.

On 26^th September 2023, APAL and the APAL’s state committee in Andhra Pradesh have submitted a memorandum regarding the construction of houses that were damaged and built a long time ago.  The Chairman of the Legislative Council, Mr. Koye Moshenu Raju, requested the State Housing Minister, Mr. Jogi Ramesh, to take necessary measures to build new houses for the leprosy patients in Bhimavaram Leprosy Colony as the current houses are in a dilapidated condition.

In response to this, the Minister assured that he would take immediate action to grant new houses to the people in the Leprosy Colony.

APAL want to express our gratitude to the Government authorities for their invaluable services to the persons affected by leprosy; would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Prakash Done, Working President of the state committee in Andhra Pradesh, and Mr. Veerraju, colony leader, for their contribution to the welfare of the leprosy community. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and they have truly made a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.

On 25^th September 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 20^th September 2023, Mrs. Maya Ranavare recently attended the ILEP Conference in Tarangire, South Africa where she presented her insights on the Impact, Benefits, and Challenges of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) as a People Organization. Her presentation was well-received and provided valuable information on the important work that APAL does. It was clear that Mrs. Ranavare is passionate about her work and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by leprosy. Overall, her presentation highlighted the significant impact that APAL has had on the lives of many people and the challenges that remain in ensuring that everyone has access to the care and support they need.

She concluded “We must always strive for empowerment, especially in the face of historical and systemic dehumanization. By taking an active role in our lives and reflecting critically on our situation, we can begin to challenge the structures that keep us subordinated. This means having access to important resources and decision-making power and being able to control our own lives. Empowerment is crucial in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice”.

On 18^th September 2023, APAL’s President Mrs. Maya Ranavare had the chance to visit the leprosy colonies in Tarangire, Tanzania, South Africa. During her visit, she had the opportunity to interact with the inmates of the colony and observe firsthand the living conditions and infrastructure.

She also noted the people’s personal hygiene, availability of health care, social protection services, education support, employment, self-employment, social entitlements, and mental well-being of those affected by leprosy who reside in the leprosy colonies. Evidently, the government services provided to those in need were extremely important in ensuring they received the care and support they required.

She attended a meeting between ILEP Panel Members and the African Alliance against MTN at Chelsea Center Hotel Dar-es-Salam in Tanzania.

On September 17th, 2023, Mrs. Maya Ranavare, the esteemed President of APAL, embarked on a significant journey to the ILEP Conference held in Tarangire, South Africa. Her attendance at this global forum underscored APAL’s commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals affected by leprosy. Mrs. Ranavare’s presence not only represented APAL but also served as a voice for the countless individuals in India facing the challenges of leprosy.

During her participation in the conference, Mrs. Ranavare delivered a compelling address, drawing attention to the harsh realities of living conditions endured by those affected by leprosy and their families in India. Her poignant insights, drawn from personal experiences, offered a firsthand perspective on the struggles and obstacles faced by this marginalized community. Through her impassioned speech, Mrs. Ranavare highlighted the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the socio-economic disparities and stigma surrounding leprosy.

Moreover, Mrs. Ranavare took the opportunity to showcase APAL’s unwavering dedication to combating these issues. She shared the organization’s notable achievements and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals impacted by leprosy. From community outreach programs to advocacy campaigns, APAL’s multifaceted approach underscores its commitment to effecting positive change and fostering inclusivity. Mrs. Ranavare’s presence and advocacy at the ILEP Conference epitomized APAL’s mission to empower and uplift those affected by leprosy, resonating with stakeholders worldwide and catalyzing momentum towards a more equitable future.

On 17^th September 2023, APAL and APAL’s state committee in Telangana met with Dr. D John Babu sir, Joint Director (NLEP), and Additional Director Mr. Ravindra Nayak to discuss the problems we have been facing. We explained everything in detail, including the need for 2 MCR pairs of footwear to be provided per year.

We also discussed the importance of supplying bandages with supporting medicine in each colony. It was encouraging to hear that 9 people from Dichpally came to continue their work in the leprosy ward, even though general wards will now be done in Nizamabad government hospital. They even met with higher officials and spoke positively about the situation.

APAL is grateful to the Government authorities for their support and we want to give a special shoutout to Mr. Ramesh State Coordinator of APAL for his amazing contributions to the leprosy community in Telangana. We appreciate all that he has done to make a positive impact in the lives of fellow people affected by leprosy.

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.