APAL India

APAL leaders Mr. Dayalu Prasad, Mr. Giridhar Lal, and Mr. Arjun Ram met with Abhay Kushwaha on 31st March 2026 in Aurangabad, Bihar. During the meeting, they discussed the issues faced by persons affected by leprosy. The leaders highlighted key challenges related to access to essential documents and services, including bank facilities, ration cards, and Aadhaar cards. They shared real-life examples of the difficulties faced by leprosy-affected individuals in obtaining these basic entitlements. The discussion aimed to seek support and intervention to ensure better access to government schemes and social security benefits for the leprosy-affected community.

On 5th April 2026, the APAL State Committee in Haryana participated in the General Body Meeting of the Haryana Kusht Mahasangh held at the Sonipat Kusht Ashram. The meeting was graced by the presence of Shri Ankush Meglani, Vice Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Haryana. During the meeting, he listened carefully to the issues and concerns raised by the residents of the ashram. He assured that key problems, particularly related to housing and electricity, would be addressed and resolved by January 2027. It was also noted that there are 311 families affected by leprosy in Haryana. Shri Ankush Meglani assured that ration support would be provided to these families within the next two months. The meeting was attended by: Shri Ankush Meglani, Vice Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, Haryana Secretary, Red Cross Society, Sonipat Shri S. N. Tyagi Ji, Representative of Haryana Kusht Mahasangh Shri P. Sangareddy, State Leader Shri Rajak and other members Residents of the ashram Shri P. Govind Swami, APAL Board Member On behalf of APAL, Shri P. Govind Swami expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shri Ankush Meglani for his support and commitment towards the welfare of persons affected by leprosy.

Annual General Body Meeting – APAL Madhya Pradesh State Committee On 20th March 2026, the APAL State Committee in Madhya Pradesh conducted its Annual General Body Meeting in the presence of Mr. Sarang Gayadhane, Vice-President of APAL. During the meeting, elections were held for the position of President of the Madhya Pradesh State Committee under the Sahyog Kusht Nivaran Sangh. The election process was conducted in the presence of the APAL Vice-President and all State Committee members. By unanimous decision, the following members were elected: President: Mr. Raju Rathore Vice-President: Mr. Rajaram Malviya Youth Leader: Mr. Bharat Rawat The meeting concluded successfully, reflecting unity and a shared commitment towards strengthening leadership and advancing the welfare of persons affected by leprosy in Madhya Pradesh.

On 1st April 2026, the leadership team of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), led by Mr. Jawahar Paswan, President, and Mr. Prakash Done, Secretary, along with members of the APAL Secretariat, held a strategic meeting with Mr. Arun Kumar, Program Officer of Lepra Society. The meeting took place at the Lepra Society Head Office in Cherlapalli, Telangana. The meeting provided a valuable platform for both organizations to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore avenues for joint collaboration. Discussions primarily focused on identifying and implementing coordinated initiatives aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy and their families, particularly those residing in leprosy colonies. Both teams emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in developing sustainable and inclusive solutions. Key areas of interest included improving access to healthcare services, strengthening livelihood opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of life and dignity of affected communities. The discussions were highly constructive, with both parties expressing strong commitment to working together in close partnership. There was mutual agreement to move forward with joint planning and implementation of impactful interventions. This meeting marks a significant step toward building a strong and strategic collaboration between APAL and Lepra Society, with a shared vision of empowering persons affected by leprosy and fostering inclusive community development.

On 27-03-2026 (Friday), APAL’s State Committee in Telangana, in collaboration with Lions Club Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad, organized a distribution program in Shanthinagar Leprosy Colony and Pasumamula Leprosy Colony, located under Peddamberpet, GHMC Division-52. During this program, new clothes (lungis and sarees) were distributed to 116 families affected by leprosy, benefiting both men and women. The distribution was carried out with the support of former Councillor Smt. Vidhyavathi Vijender Reddy. The program was successfully conducted with the active involvement and support of Mr. M. Ramesh (President, SLAP-TS & APAL India EC Member) and Mr. Sk. Rahimathulla (General Secretary). We sincerely expressed our gratitude to the officials of Lions Club Krishna Nagar, Hyderabad, for their generous support and contribution towards the welfare of persons affected by leprosy.

Visit of APAL’s State Committee in Bihar to Ara Leprosy Colony On 16 March 2026, APAL’s State Committee in Bihar visited the Ara Leprosy Colony and held a meeting with the residents. The visit focused on two important issues affecting the colony. First, the meeting was organized to identify and select beneficiaries for the livelihood programme, so that suitable support could be extended to the residents for improving their income and living conditions. Second, a serious health concern was discussed during the meeting. It was recently found that six people from the colony underwent HIV testing, and all six were reported HIV positive. This has become a matter of great concern for the colony and requires immediate attention. During the visit, the APAL team interacted with the residents and explained the importance of awareness, early testing, and proper understanding of HIV. To support this effort, a representative from an NGO was also invited to the meeting. The NGO Madam attended the gathering and explained to the residents what HIV is, how it affects health, and why there should be no fear or stigma in getting tested. She also encouraged all residents of the colony to undergo HIV screening again, so that the health situation in the colony can be properly understood and necessary medical support can be arranged. It is expected that the residents will come forward for testing in the coming days. The visit was important not only for livelihood planning but also for creating awareness about a serious health issue and motivating the community to take preventive and supportive action.

“To assess and document the concerns of residents of the Leprosy Colony, Bhimavaram, regarding unauthorized/illegal construction, and to advocate for timely intervention by municipal authorities to protect their living conditions, rights, and dignity.” On 15th March 2026, “APAL’s General Secretary, Mr. Done Prakash, along with the residents of the Leprosy Colony, Bhimavaram (West Godavari District), conducted a field visit regarding the grievance submitted through PGRS (Grievance No: WEG202603021306). During the visit, the team interacted with colony residents, including women and elderly persons, to understand their concerns about the ongoing unauthorized/illegal construction in the area. The grievance, submitted to the Commissioner, Bhimavaram Municipality, highlighted the adverse impact of such construction on the living conditions of persons affected by leprosy residing in the colony. The team reviewed the situation on the ground and emphasized the need for immediate intervention by the concerned municipal authorities to address the issue and safeguard the rights and dignity of the residents.” #APAL #LeprosyAwareness #LeprosyColony #Bhimavaram #WestGodavari #CommunityVoices #RightToDignity #StopIllegalConstruction #SocialJustice #InclusionMatters #HumanRights #PublicGrievance #PGRS #GrassrootsAction #SupportTheMarginalized

On 8th March 2026, the International Women’s Day celebration was organized by APAL's State Committee in Karnataka at Mahatma Gandhi Leprosy Colony, Vijayapur, Karnataka, bringing together women affected by leprosy, community members, and supporters to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in the colony. The program created a platform to appreciate their courage and to highlight the importance of equality, respect, and inclusion. During the celebration, participants shared their experiences, encouraged one another, and reaffirmed their collective commitment to overcoming stigma and discrimination faced by women affected by leprosy. On this meaningful occasion, APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy) reaffirmed its responsibility to empower women affected by leprosy by supporting them in accessing their rights and opportunities. APAL continues to work towards strengthening its confidence, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring that women can live with dignity and self-respect. Through awareness, advocacy, and community support, APAL remains committed to uplifting women in leprosy colonies and enabling them to lead dignified and empowered lives.

APAL’s State Committee in Telangana, on 08-03-2026, celebrated International Women’s Day with great respect and enthusiasm at Shantinagar Colony in GHMC-52 Division, Pedda Amberpet. The program was organized in the presence of APAL-India EC Board Member Mr. Maniyada Ramesh. On this special occasion, the women of the colony were honored with shawls as a mark of respect and appreciation. A cake-cutting ceremony was held, and fruits were distributed to all participants to celebrate the strength, dignity, and contributions of women in the community. The event was attended by Colony Vice President Dominic, General Secretary S.K. Rahimathulla, and Joint Secretary Ch. Mallayya and many colony residents who actively participated, making the celebration meaningful and joyful.

To eliminate child labour and ensure all children in Subhash Ashram and Navjeevan Ashram, Jamshedpur, are enrolled in formal education, creating a child labour-free and educated community. On 1st March 2026, APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand proudly declares that Subhash Ashram and Navjeevan Ashram in Jamshedpur have been recognized as Child Labour Free Areas under the Balshram Mukta Abhiyan (Child Labour Free Campaign). This important initiative was strongly supported and facilitated by APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand, with the valuable support of TSF. This milestone was achieved through the committed efforts of the Tata Steel Rural Development Society, Education Department, which played a key role in identifying children who were not attending school. These children were provided accommodation in hostels and enrolled in formal education, ensuring their access to learning and development. Due to these continuous and dedicated efforts, there are now no children left in these ashrams who are out of school. All children are attending school and have become literate. This declaration marks a significant step towards building a child labour-free, educated, and empowered community, and reflects APAL’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of children.

To advocate for the protection of Ashram land and ensure the rights, dignity, and welfare of persons affected by leprosy through the submission of a memorandum to the District Administration. On 26th February 2026, APAL State Committee in Uttar Pradesh actively represented the concerns and rights of persons affected by leprosy and their families by organizing a peaceful gathering and submitting a memorandum to the District Administration. The committee members, along with community representatives, highlighted key issues related to the protection of the Leprosy Ashram land, housing security, and the safeguarding of the dignity and livelihoods of residents living in the Leprosy Colonies. During the programme, APAL leaders emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to prevent any unlawful occupation and to ensure the welfare and rehabilitation of persons affected by leprosy. The State Committee reaffirmed its commitment to social justice, human rights, and inclusive development, and assured the community that APAL will continue to protect their rights and strengthen their future through collective action and dialogue with authorities.

The President of APAL, Jawahar Paswan, along with Treasurer Kerolin Bhengra, visited Shanti Nagar Colony to understand the situation of persons affected by leprosy and their families. During the visit, they inspected the POD (Prevention of Disability) Centre and reviewed the services being provided there. They also interacted with the residents of the colony and persons affected by leprosy, listened to their concerns, and became aware of their living conditions and current needs. On this occasion, APAL Board Member, M. Ramesh, warmly welcomed them by presenting shawls as a mark of honor and respect. He expressed his gratitude for their visit and continued support for the welfare of the colony residents. The visit helped strengthen the bond between APAL leadership and the community and reaffirmed APAL’s commitment to the wellbeing and dignity of persons affected by leprosy.

On 23rd February 2026, APAL conducted its Executive Committee (EC) Meeting at the APAL Office in Hyderabad. The meeting was attended by EC members and key representatives, who actively participated in reviewing the organization’s ongoing work and planning future initiatives. The committee discussed the current situation of persons affected by leprosy and emphasized the need to strengthen APAL’s efforts to address their social and economic challenges. Members shared their views, experiences, and suggestions to improve the effectiveness and reach of APAL’s programs. The EC Committee mainly focused on planning future activities aimed at the socio-economic empowerment and welfare of persons affected by leprosy and their families. Discussions included livelihood support programs, access to government welfare schemes, education support for children, healthcare services, and capacity-building initiatives. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring dignity, equality, and sustainable development for the affected persons and resolved to take proactive steps to implement these activities in a coordinated and effective manner across the states.

APAL and APAL’s State Committee Telangana, in collaboration with the local Primary Health Centre (PHC), organized a community meeting at Shanthinagar Leprosy Colony, Peddamberpet, on February 18 in the presence of M. Ramesh EC member of APAL. During the program, APAL representatives, along with health department officials including the District Leprosy Officer and other authorities, interacted with persons affected by leprosy. The team carefully listened to their concerns regarding pensions, housing, healthcare services, and social welfare schemes. Special attention was given to issues already raised before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) concerning the rights, dignity, and social protection of persons affected by leprosy. APAL discussed the status of the NHRC matter with the community members and assured them that continuous follow-up would be done with the concerned authorities to ensure proper implementation of recommendations and protection of their human rights. APAL assured that all the issues discussed during the meeting would be documented and submitted to higher authorities for necessary action. The program aimed to strengthen coordination between the community and government departments while promoting dignity, inclusion, and equal rights for persons affected by leprosy.

APAL’s State Committee in Karnataka conducted an awareness program on leprosy, its related consequences, and available treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Leprosy Colony on 19 February 2026. The students of R.K.M. Ayurveda College participated. The program focused on spreading correct information about early detection, prevention of disability, and the importance of timely treatment. Community members and students actively participated, helping to strengthen awareness and reduce stigma associated with leprosy. APAL continues its committed efforts to ensure dignity, inclusion, and access to healthcare for persons affected by leprosy and their families.

On 16th February 2026, APAL State Committee of Telangana successfully organized a Government Mini Medical Camp and Dressing Camp in coordination with Abdullapurmet PHC at Shanthinagar and Santhoshnagar Leprosy Colonies. The camp was conducted in the presence of APAL EC Member, Maniyada Ramesh, along with colony leaders M. Samuel and V. Dominic. During the camp, medical check-ups, ulcer dressing, and necessary health services were provided to persons affected by leprosy. The initiative aimed to improve healthcare access and promote better health and hygiene practices among the colony residents. APAL continues its commitment to ensuring dignity, care, and support for persons affected by leprosy and their families.

On 15th February 2026, the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) has an important meeting with representatives from the Sasakawa Health Foundation. The meeting was graced by Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, along with Takahiro Nanri and their team. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on APAL’s key activities, major achievements, and ongoing challenges faced by persons affected by leprosy and their families. The dialogue also focused on practical solutions, including livelihood support, education for children, access to healthcare, land issues, elimination of stigma and discrimination, and strengthening community-based interventions. The interaction was constructive and encouraging, reaffirming a shared commitment to dignity, inclusion, and sustainable support for persons affected by leprosy.

On 14th February 2026, the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) conducted its Annual General Body Meeting at The Palatial Hotel in Lucknow. All 18 State Coordinators and State Committee Members participated in the meeting and successfully elected the new Board of Directors/Management.The newly elected management presented its policy direction for the coming term, reaffirming the Society’s commitment to ensuring dignity, equality, and full inclusion of persons affected by leprosy across 18 states in India.Policy Directions Announced APAL shall: Develop and maintain an accurate, up-to-date population database to guide evidence-based interventions. Ensure access to social entitlements, healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and legal rights. Address challenges affecting living conditions through community-led initiatives. Advocate against discrimination and promote mainstream inclusion. Strengthen organizational capacity through digitalization, leadership development, proposal writing, and communication skills. Build stable and sustainable funding sources to expand and sustain new activities.APAL reaffirms its commitment to empowering persons affected by leprosy to live with dignity, confidence, and equal rights in society.

On the occasion of World Leprosy Day, APAL, in collaboration with D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, organized a physiotherapy camp at Swadhar Nagar Colony, Kolhapur, intending to improve the physical well-being of persons affected by leprosy. Qualified physiotherapists and students provided basic assessments, guidance on mobility, and physiotherapy support to help prevent disability and manage existing physical challenges. Along with the camp, an awareness session was conducted on self-care practices, with special focus on ulcer prevention and ulcer care. Participants were educated on daily self-inspection, wound cleaning, protective measures, and the importance of regular care to avoid complications. The session encouraged individuals to take active responsibility for their health, promoting dignity, independence, and long-term well-being.