NEWS & EVENTS

APAL’s State Committee in Chhattisgarh Conducts Interactive Visit to Pampapur Leprosy Colony

On 12th September 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Chhattisgarh and Mr. Pavan Kumar conducted an interactive visit to the Pampapur Leprosy Colony. During the visit, the committee members engaged with the residents of the colony, listened to their experiences, and discussed the daily challenges they face. The interaction brought out critical issues such as poor living conditions, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to essential services.

Residents highlighted urgent needs, including better housing, proper roads, reliable water supply, healthcare facilities, and support for livelihood opportunities. The visit also shed light on the urgent requirement for government intervention and infrastructural development to ensure dignity and quality of life for persons affected by leprosy living in the colony.

APAL’s State Committee assured the community that their voices will be taken forward and reinforced the need for strong government support to address these long-pending issues.

APAL’s interaction visit to the leprosy colonies in Jharkhand

9th September 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand, led by Secretary Mr. Madhusudan, recently visited the Palatod Leprosy Colony at Baniyahir Bhaga, Dhanbad, and interacted with the residents. The survey revealed alarming issues—houses built decades ago are now in a dilapidated state, the drainage system is broken, and there is an acute drinking water crisis forcing families to walk long distances and even bring water from Panipat. Many families have also been left out of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) benefits, leaving them vulnerable and excluded from essential welfare schemes.

The findings highlight that families affected by leprosy in this colony continue to live under poverty, poor housing, unsafe conditions, and social neglect. Immediate attention is needed from the government and social organisations to provide proper housing, streetlights, safe water, and inclusion in welfare programs. Ensuring these basic rights is not just about development—it is about restoring dignity, equality, and justice to these marginalized families.

APAL’s State Committee in Telangana – Ration Distribution Program

On 9th September 2025, at Peddambarpet Lakshmareddy Palem, APAL’s State Committee in Telangana organised a ration distribution program in collaboration with Children of Deccan Foundation.

The program was graced by the Chairman of Children of Deccan Foundation, Sri Nagalla Malkanna garu, and former Councillor Smt. Vidhyavathi Vijender Reddy and Pastor Shantakumar, who jointly distributed ration (Food Grains) to 100 leprosy-affected families.

The event was attended by Maniyada Ramesh APAL’s State Coordinator, Shantinagar Colony President Y. Samuel, Vice President Dominic, and Puja Ramesh.

On this occasion, Mr. Malkanna garu and Smt. Vidhyavathi Vijender Reddy garu felicitated Pragati Vidyamandir High School Principal Mr. Mr. Anjaneyulu , and the teachers with shawls, extending their respect and best wishes for their dedicated service in education.

APAL revisited the Gannavaram leprosy colony in Andhra Pradesh

On 2nd September 2025, APAL State Committee in Andhra Pradesh, along with Mr. Prakash Doni, visited Gannarvaram Colony once again.

During the visit, they interacted with residents and addressed concerns raised by people affected by leprosy and the broader community. After listening to both sides, the Committee encouraged open dialogue to foster clarity and mutual respect.

Through this meaningful interaction, APAL worked towards resolving the issues and creating a sense of harmony in the colony. The Committee also suggested continuing meetings to ensure long-term understanding and peaceful coexistence.

APAL visited the leprosy colonies in Chhattisgarh

On 2nd September 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Chhattisgarh, along with Ms. Keroline Bhengra (EC Member, APAL), visited Mudapara Kusth Ashram and Moti Sagar Kusth Ashram in Korba.

They interacted with people affected by leprosy and their families, highlighting the importance of education support and livelihood opportunities for children growing up in the shadow of leprosy.

Some children in need of support were identified, and their proposals were collected and referred to concerned NGOs for assistance. Together, we can ensure dignity, opportunity, and a brighter future.

APAL Andhra Pradesh State Committee Advocacy Update

The APAL State Committee in Andhra Pradesh has taken a strong step to advocate for the rights of persons affected by leprosy. On 1st September 2025, nearly 1,000 persons affected by leprosy had their disability pensions suspended by the Government, causing severe difficulties for their daily livelihood.

In response, APAL’s State Committee raised the issue with the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who responded positively, gave assurance to resolve the problem, and also discussed long-term solutions to safeguard the pensions of persons affected by leprosy.

This important advocacy activity was made possible through the efforts and contributions of Mr. Prakash Done, Mr. Sayulu, and Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy from the State Committee.

APAL remains committed to ensuring that the dignity, rights, and social security of persons affected by leprosy are protected.

On 1st September 2025, APAL State Committee in Maharashtra, along with Maya Ranavare, President Apal India, had the privilege of meeting Hon’ble MLA Mr. Satej Patil.

During the meeting, we shared about APAL’s activities, vision, and mission, and requested his kind support to strengthen persons affected by leprosy and their families.

Together, we believe we can build a future of dignity, rights, and equal opportunities for our community

APAL advocacy Meeting with the Director of Health & Family Welfare, Andhra Pradesh

To address the suspension of pensions for persons affected by leprosy in Andhra Pradesh by submitting data to the concerned authority, seeking immediate government intervention, and ensuring proactive steps for re-evaluation of medical certificates so that affected persons can continue to receive their rightful benefits.

On August 28, 2025, the Apal India State Committee in Andhra Pradesh has been actively addressing the concerns of people affected by leprosy in the state. Mr. Prakash Done (Treasurer of APAL & State Committee Secretary), along with Mr. Nataraj (Bapatla Colony President), Mr. John (Youth Leader), and several leprosy patients, met Dr. Padmavathi, Director of Health & Family Welfare (AP) and Joint Director of Leprosy. They submitted data regarding the suspension of pensions for individuals affected by leprosy, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention.

In response, Dr. Padmavathi acted immediately by providing the Government Order (G.O.) copy and convening a Zoom meeting with all District Leprosy Officers (DLOs) while the delegation was present. She issued clear guidelines, emphasising proactive re-evaluation of medical certificates and encouraging direct follow-up with concerned officials.

On behalf of all persons affected by leprosy, APAL extend heartfelt gratitude to her for her swift action, guidance, and commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of the community. Special thanks to Mr. Prakash for his active contributions to the leprosy community.

APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand Facilitates Skill Training for Children of Leprosy-Affected Families.

This initiative aims to provide equal opportunities for the children of leprosy-affected families, helping them overcome stigma and discrimination by acquiring technical skills for employment. It will empower them to build a dignified and independent future, breaking the cycle of poverty and dependence often associated with leprosy colonies.

On 8th August 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand approached the District Leprosy Prevention Officer (DLO), Gaya, to request preparation of certificates for 12 children belonging to families affected by leprosy, residing in Mansa Singh Gate Leprosy Colony, Post Railway Colony, Thana Balidih, District Bokaro, Jharkhand. The plan was to enroll these children in skill development courses at the ITI Institute, Champa, Chhattisgarh, enabling them to receive technical education in various trades and move towards self-reliance.

Following this, on 21st August 2025, the required documents of the 12 children were completed and forwarded to the training center at Champa, Chhattisgarh. Their admissions have been successfully completed, and now these children will begin technical training across different trades, opening up opportunities for sustainable livelihood and empowerment.

Awareness Meeting on Leprosy with Atal Bihari Vajpayee Power Plant Officials in Champa, Chhattisgarh.

To introduce APAL’s work, spread awareness on leprosy as a curable disease, address issues of stigma and discrimination, and encourage support for social inclusion and equal opportunities for persons affected by leprosy.

On 20th August 2025, “Ms. Keroline, Executive Member of APAL, was invited to and participated in a meeting with all the officials of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Power Plant. In this meeting, she gave a detailed presentation about the work of APAL and also created awareness about leprosy.

She explained that leprosy is a curable disease if detected early and treated with free MDT (Multi-Drug Therapy) provided by the Government. She also emphasized that people affected by leprosy should not face discrimination in society or at the workplace. Ms. Keroline highlighted the need for timely diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and social inclusion of persons affected by leprosy. She urged the officials to support awareness campaigns, extend cooperation in reducing stigma, and ensure equal opportunities for people affected by leprosy.”