Marking 16 years of its establishment, Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF), an organisation dedicated to the social and economic empowerment of persons affected by leprosy and their families, launched the national chapter of its alumni networks.  Earlier this year, S-ILF initiated the creation of alumni networks of the youth from leprosy background across its intervention states. Ten such networks have been formed in the states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Since 2012, S-ILF has supported more than 1,300 youth from leprosy colonies across the country to pursue higher professional education. Several of these scholars are now engaged in jobs in reputed organisations and are well established. The impact of educational opportunities on mainstreaming and the potential to influence other youth from leprosy background, has led S-ILF to initiate a new platform where these scholars come together to form Youth Leadership Council. More than 350 scholars were trained in the day-long workshops to hone their leadership skills. The programs were held in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and provided an opportunity for the scholars to interact with the industry.

The national chapter of alumni network comprising nine scholars from various colonies were felicitated by Mr R Dinesh, President Designate, CII and Executive Vice Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd and Mr Tarun Das, Chairman, S-ILF. The event was held at India International Centre, New Delhi. During the event, scholarship recipients, through their testimonials, talked about how the support had helped transform their lives. A cultural event was also organized showcasing talent of youth and children from leprosy background.

Mr R Dinesh conveyed his immense appreciation for the work being undertaken by S-ILF to eliminate leprosy and how its efforts at providing livelihood and educational support for persons affected by the disease had contributed to overcoming stigma and enabling mainstreaming in society. On the occasion, Mr Tarun Das, Chairman, S-ILF recalled the major milestones in the 16 years’ journey of the organization and that through newer initiatives such as all-round development of children through sports, telemedicine, etc delivered in a decentralized manner had ensured that S-ILF remained connected to the beneficiaries. S-ILF’s Patron, Mr Yohei Sasakawa (WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination), in his message from Japan, congratulated the organisation for its relentless efforts at mainstreaming persons affected by leprosy. Dr Vivek Lal, CEO, S-ILF, reaffirmed the commitment of the organization to further increase the opportunities for education and livelihood support for the persons affected by leprosy and their families.