Community participation is the key to better health
India’s progress in leprosy eradication efforts has been spectacular and the participatory work by governmental and voluntary agencies is laudable, observed Mr. B. S. Raghavan in Chennai on Wednesday. We are happy that the cherished dream of the Father of our nation for leprosy elimination has come true. It is time to focus on T.B. awareness as India is the world capital of T.B. Community participation is the key to better health, Mr. Raghavan added.
Mr. B. S. Raghavan, Former Policy Advisor to UN was speaking as the Chief Guest at IDF Grants/ Awards Function at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai on 7th August 2013. He gave away IDF Grants to leprosy/ TB hospitals and projects in Tamil Nadu and Kerala regions. IDF has earmarked Grants totaling Rs.10 Million to 310 health/ education projects all over India during the year. IDF Grants Release Function is an annual feature of Indian Development Foundation to share its resources with leprosy/ TB projects and promote self-reliance.
Mr. Raghavan also presented Awards to 83 Principals of Schools in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry with star Performance record of leprosy/ TB awareness programmes and resource mobilisation and awarded Medals and certificates to 409 students for their signal contribution.
Prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Award 2012-13 was presented to Montfort School, Trichy for outstanding social work and support extended for leprosy/ TB work in Tamil Nadu zone. Rev. Bro. Dhanraj, Principal of the School received the award on behalf of the school.
Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, founder President, Indian Development Foundation who presided over the function said the government and voluntary agencies worked hand in hand with admirable co-operation to achieve the leprosy elimination status in India. Dr.Pillai thanked the public for their understanding and continued support. Sharing resources and serving others give greater joy and this will be the gospel for the future, Dr. Pillai added.
Dr. Sanjib Bhakta, Head - Mycobacteria Research Lab, Birkbeck, University of London - Mr. E. Mariappan, Director (NEWS), Doordarshan - Mrs. P. C. Selvarani, Principal, SBOA School & Jr. College, Chennai – Mr. J. Ravichandran, CEO, German Leprosy & TB Relief Association and Mr. A. Asokan,Industrialist were Guests of Honour at the function. They complimented Indian Development Foundation’s role in India’s fight against leprosy/TB and for widening its activities to include health care, education and development.
Montfort School, Trichy topped the list of schools in social work while the second and third places went to St. Joseph's Convent Hr. Sec. School, Nagercoil and Jayarani Girls Hr. Sec. School, Nethimedu, Salem respectively in Tamil Nadu Region. F.A. Shiloh Jessie Francisca from Rani Seethai Achi Hr. Sec. School, Chidambaram topped the individual students list social responsibility while second and third ranks went to Pristine S. from Metro Matric Hr. Sec. School, Mettupalayam and Chriset Jeyaraj from Montfort School, Trichy respectively.
People from all walks of life attended the well-organised function. Earlier Dr. S. Franklin, Chief Executive of the Foundation welcomed and introduced the guests, while Mrs. Siva Kamakshi, IDF Social Ambassador proposed a vote of thanks. Mrs. R. Rajammal, IDF Social Ambassador compered at the function. Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2, Tambaram, Chennai set the tone for the event with a soulful invocation.
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