The Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF) commemorated its 18th Foundation Day at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (VYK) in New Delhi, celebrating nearly two decades of impactful work towards empowering individuals affected by leprosy and their families. The event, attended by key dignitaries including Mr. Baijayant Panda, Member of Parliament, and Mr. YoheiSasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, underscored the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusion and fighting stigma.
Chairman of S-ILF, Mr. Tarun Das, highlighted the significant milestones achieved, such as expanding operations to 17 states across India and decentralizing efforts with the establishment of three zonal offices. “Our journey has been one of resilience and collaboration,” said Das, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in driving social change. A key highlight was the celebration of 10 years of the His Holiness The Dalai Lama-Sasakawa Scholarship, which has empowered young scholars from leprosy colonies through education.
The event also saw the renewal of the S-ILF-CII partnership, aiming to further the cause of inclusion and equal opportunities for marginalized communities. In Kolkata, the foundation’s efforts have been pivotal in educating and providing resources to those affected by leprosy, with ongoing initiatives to promote equality and integration within local communities. The city’s market has been receptive to S-ILF’s outreach, reflecting an increasing awareness and support for these transformative programs.