Mangalorean.com highlights Gandhiji's visit

Gandhiji visits leprosy home

A noted website serving the Mangaloreans around the world, hosted from Chicago, has always been highlighting IDF work in national interest. They have given a wide coverage to the `Gandhiji visiting leprosy home' in their portal.

IDF thank Mr. Roshan Desouza, Founder & Creator and Mrs. Queenie Mendonca, Managing Editor of the Mangalorean.com website for their kind and continued support.

The bloggers may click to the link given below and see the report for yourself.

http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=46757


IDF PR Divisionwww.idf.org.in



Related News in Mangalorean.com :

http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=39395

http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=38755

http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=37667

http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=36475

Gandhiji visits leprosy home

It was as if real Mahatma Gandhiji visited our centre, says an inmate of Vimala Centre. I have read about Mahatma Gandhiji's contribution to leprosy work and to see Dr. Sharad Nayampally in his form is a great feeling for us, he expressed.

Dr. Sharad Nayampally in Mahatma Gandhi's make-up visited Vimala Dermatological Centre, a leprosy home in north Mumbai on Saturday the 23rd June.

Indian Development Foundation organised a programme for the Podar International School as part of their CAS activities.

Dr. Sharad's visit to leprosy home co-incided with the recent news release on the United Nations General Assembly deciding to declare October 2 - the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi—as ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ in recognition of his role in promoting the message of peace around the world. http://eazyvg.wordpress.com/2007/06/15/un-declares-mahatma-gandhi-birth-anniversary-as-international-non-violence-day/

Dr. Sharad Nayampally who is an international Yoga Therapist and an Alternative Medicine expert having intense knowledge in wheat-grass, accupressure and allied therapy is an Ambassador of Indian Development Foundation (formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation).

Keen on doing social work, Dr. Sharad joined IDF to help humanitarian causes in national interest. Retired from the Hindustan Lever Limited, Dr. Sharad has been a great person with a lot of social commitments. Dr. Sharad has directed over 60 dramas and also acted in a couple of movies. The latest film in which Dr.Sharad acted was Traffic Signal. He also got a role of Mahatma Gandhiji to play in India Today's commercial which will be released soon.

I love doing social work and also teaching yoga to people, Dr. Sharad said. I am happpy with IDF, as i am able to engage my self in social service activities.

Dr. Sharad Nayampally visited every ward in the leprosy home and met the inmates of the centre. The children of the centre welcomed Mahatma Gandhiji and were keen to pose for a photograph.

Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, President, Indian Development Foundation congratulates Dr. Sharad Nayampally for his excellent performance and wishes him good luck in his social service assignments.

(The photographs have been made black-white to give a real effect of Gandhiji)

I would like to assure those who would serve Daridranarayana that there is music, art, economy and joy in the spinning wheel. .....Mahatma Gandhi.

Leprosy work is not merely medical relief, it is transforming frustration in life into joy of dedication, personal ambition into selfless service. .......Mahatma Gandhi.

Laughter a medicine

The CAS students of Podar International School were given an orientation on Laughter Exercise at Vimala Dermatological Centre this morning (23/06/07). Hasya Yog is getting popular these days. To beat the stress and shed away sorrows, laughter has been found to be a good medicine. Laughter keeps one good and cheerful.

Advocate Manohar Mehta, Founder of Laughter Club of Bangur Nagar, Goregegaon and Chief Guest for the programme gave useful tips on laughter to the students of Podar School. The students were also taught basic principles of laughing. Mr. Mehta also initiated a couple of laughing techniques to the students.

The students who are trained in laughter exercise, will inturn teach the leprosy patients as part of their CAS activities, said Ms.Sarala Gavane, CAS Co-ordinator.

The students had varied experiences and they have penned down their thoughts after the programme and assured of initiating laughter exercise to the inmates of the centre.

Dr. Pillai, Dr. Iyer and Mr. Sanjay Waghmare made necessary arrangements in organising laughter club for Podar students.

The programme was blessed by the look-like of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Sharad Nayampally. The Podarites and inmates of the Centre joined for a group photo with Gandhiji.

Dr. Sharad took round of the Centre and met leprosy patients. He also visited the children section and gave a good pose.

Giri Trading supports IDF

Giri Trading Agency, a one stop shop for all Pooja items, located at Bangur Nagar, Goregaon (West), Mumbai has come forward to support IDF's empowerment class programme.

Mrs. Sharada from Giri Trading appreciated the work of Indian Development Foundation and suggested to place a Donation Box in the Showroom. There are many people visiting our showroom and the Donationa Box of IDF at a vantage point will only attract the visitors to share their mite for a noble cause, said Mrs. Sharada.

Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, Co-ordinator of IDF handed over IDF Donation Box for installation in the Giri Trading Showroom. There are leaflets of IDF placed in the Box holder facilitating the visitors to take one and act later.

IDF thank Mrs. Sharada and the Giri Trading Agency for supporting IDF programmes.

Let noble thoughts come to us from everyside.........Rigveda

SSRC Inaugurated

Vibgyor High, an international school in north Mumbai inaugurated the `Students' Social Responsibility Cell' on Friday the 22nd June 2007.

Mr. William Bickerdike, Regional Manager South Asia, University of Cambridge International Examinations and Chief Guest for the function spoke on the importance of inculcating social responsibility among students at young age and appreciated IDF for taking up the programme with Vibgyor High

Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, National Co-ordinator, IDF and Guest of Honour gave broad outline on IDF national activities and the proposed plans to be covered under SSRC.

Mr. Shim Mathew, Principal and Ms. Sagarika Bhatia, Head of IGCSE spoke on the occasion emphasising students participation in social work.

Ms. Tamanna, Co-ordinator of the School summarized the programme for the benefit of the parents and students gathered at the function.

For related stories :

http://indiandevelopmentfoundation.blogspot.com/2007/06/student-social-responsbility_19.html

1-minute test to detect TB

Tuberculosis diagnosis may soon take just one minute.

Thai scientists from Srinakharinwirot University's nanotechnology centre are close to developing a new technology with the help of bio-sensors that will diagnose micobacterium tuberculosis within 60 seconds.

According to associate professor Kosum Chansiri, the new technique will be a breakthrough as present day testing methods like culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are time consuming and unable to determine accurately if the TB strain is resistant to any drug. While private hospitals in India use PCR, the country's National TB Control Programme still believes in the sputum microscopy test that takes over two days.

Dr L S Chauhan, chief of India's TB control programme, said, "Rapid diagnostic tools are much needed in India which sees 18 lakh fresh cases of TB every year. The present day PCR test isn't specific and the sputum test takes two days for results to show." Soumya Swaminathan from the Tuberculosis Research Centre, Chennai, however, said she was sceptical. "Scientists are working on biosensors that are ideal for TB. But till now, there are no bio-markers that are specific for TB."

Biosensor is a technology in which enzymes or antibodies are used to detect sugars and proteins in body fluids, contaminants in water and gases in air.

The most widespread example of a commercial biosensor is the blood glucose biosensor, which uses an enzyme to break blood glucose down. Scientists are widely using biosensors for several medical targets glucose monitoring in diabetes patients, detection of pesticides and river water contaminants, remote sensing of airborne bacteria, detection of pathogens, routine measurement of folic acid, biotin and Vitamin B12.

The Thai announcement comes after Rapid Biosensor Systems, a Cambridge-based developer, recently announced the creation of a TB breathalyzer, a portable device that will detect TB in less than 5 minutes. Clinical trials of this technology are about to start in the UK and India. Dennis Camilleri, the chief executive officer of RBS, had said, "Our test is very fast. You simply cough into a tube. If TB bacteria are present in the breath sample then they bind to a special fluorescent bio-coating that has been applied to an optical prism inside a collection tube. Analysis of the fluorescence signal indicates if TB is present." Camilleri said because the system does not require samples to be sent to a lab for analysis, it could potentially be used at airports and seaports to screen people as they enter a country and also enables the screening to be done "while you wait". So people with positive TB screening results can be isolated immediately.

Courtesy : The Times of India (21-06-07)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/1-minute_test_to_detect_TB/articleshow/2137294.cms

Student Social Responsbility

VIBGYOR High ties with Indian Development Foundation (IDF) for carrying out Social Service Programmes for the overall development of their students from the academic year 2007-08. IDF is a leading national NGO committed to health, education and development of the country.

Health awareness programmes, interactive session with the underprivileged children and visit to a couple of social service homes will be part of the activities that IDF will be taking up for the students of Vibgyor High.

Dr.A.R.K.Pillai, President of Indian Development Foundation (IDF) said that 'Student Social Responsibility' (SSR) is a key factor in the development of youth and the student days are best suited for developing such skills. Dr Pillai was addressing the senior students of Vibgyor High School at Goregaon West on Tuesday morning.

Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, National Co-ordinator, IDF spelt out the areas to gain social interaction during the school days and gain fulfillment levels. Social work adds an extra dimension to learning, Dr.Narayan added.

Mr. Shim Mathew, Principal of Vibgyor High, exhorted the students to take keen interest in social participation. The tie-up with IDF will be a good activity to promote national development, he added.

Dr. Sharad Nayampally, IDF Ambassador and an international Yoga therapist highlighted the importance of Yoga for students and demonstrated some simple exercises.

Mr. Shim Mathew and Dr.A.R.K.Pillai signed the MoU between Vibgyor High and IDF for promoting SSR among the students in the presence of a select gathering.

Mr. Karthick Sridhar, Social Entrepreneur of IDF enthused the students to participate in social service programmes for their overall development.

Ms. Sagarika Bhatia, Head of IGCSE and Ms. Tamanna Shaikh , Co-ordinator of the School co-ordinated the programme at the school and the students showed interest in the proposed project.

Students in Social Work

The IB (International Baccalareaute) students of Podar International School, Santacruz under CAS programme (Creativity, Action and Service) tied up with Indian Development Foundation's projects for their social service activities. Indian Development Foundation (IDF) (formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation) is a leading national NGO committed to health, education and development.

CAS Co-ordinator Mrs. Sarala Gavane led a batch of 16 students to Vimala Dermatological Centre, a leprosy/ TB project of IDF at Yari Road, Versova in the early hours of Saturday (June 16). IB Diploma Programme students have to undergo about 150 hours of social work in an year as per their curriculum and it is our privilege we are tied up with one of the national NGO like IDF for CAS programme, said Sarala Gavane.

The 17-year old Dhanvin Jhaveri expressed his feelings by saying `I was a bit scared to enter leprosy home for the first time, but today's visit has changed my perspective completely about the disease. Rohaan Talsania and Sehar Chumble, the two Podar students also expressed their impressions on the CAS activities and assured of all support in social programmes for the welfare of the poor. We are all happy to take part in social work which will help in transforming our lives too in the long run, said the students of Podar.

Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, President of IDF inaugurated the programme by giving details about IDF while Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, National Co-ordinator made a slide-show presentation on the scientific facts about leprosy and clarified the doubts of the students. Leprosy is not only a medical problem, but a social too, he said. Dr. Iyer said leprosy is completely curable and treatment is given free of cost across the country. Though the number of leprosy cases have come down drastically, but there are new incidences reported in some pockets in India where awareness in necessary.

The students went round the male, female and children wards of Vimala Centre and greeted the inmates for their speedy recovery. The students felt happy to see patients responding to their wishes in a more receptive manner.

Rev. Sr. Bertilla Capra, Director of Vimala Centre who has spent 35 years of her life in leprosy work, wished the students good luck in their assignments and thanked IDF for all its continued support.

IDF has designed a host of social service activities for Podar team to perform during the current academic year.

Dr. Sharad Nayampally and Mr. Sanjay Waghmare from IDF did the ground work to make the event a successful one.

Student Social Responsbility

Vibgyor High, an international School in Goregaon (West), Mumbai will tie up with Indian Development Foundation for its IGCSE Social Cell.

Ms. Sagarika Bhatia, Head of IGCSE and Ms. Tamanna, Co-ordinator of Vibgyor High met Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, Co-ordinator of IDF and discussed on the possibility of inculcating social responsibility among their students.

Social service during the student days is a great value addition and this must be promoted at the tender age, Dr. Iyer said.

The team soon coined a new terminology for the programme as `Student Social Responsibility' (SSR) where the students will be given an overall view of the social implications in the society. The students will also take part in various nation building activities during the process.

A detailed plan will be chalked out for Vibgyor High students for the academic year 2007-08 which include a wide range of activities. Awareness on various health areas will be the key issue in SSR.

Vibgyor High students would also involve in resouce mobilisation activities to support the projects of IDF.


Let noble thoughts come to us from everyside.

IDF wishes Schoolteam

Dr. Pillai, President of Indian Development Foundation

writes to the Principals of Schools in India.

IDF wishes the Schoolteam

GOOD LUCK in the Academic Year 2007-08.

9th June 2007

Dear and Respected Principal :

Please accept our greetings and good wishes for the academic year 2007-08 !

We congratulate you for all the academic honours and distinctions earned by your students in the recent exams. We are confident that your institution will achieve greater success under your able leadership in the coming years too.

We recall with gratitude your active participation and kind support to Indian Development Foundation’s nation building activities.

Indian Development Foundation (formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation) is a leading national NGO committed to health, education and development of our people.

We like to say that our Associate Projects/ Hospitals are rendering excellent services in areas of TB and leprosy by providing free treatment. We have so far established 10 Empowerment Classes in India, which includes 3 regular tribal schools. In addition to the empowerment class programmes, IDF also sponsors poor handicapped children, children of leprosy-affected persons, deaf-mutes children and those in dire need.

We also contribute to improve rural development by organizing mass awareness on socio-health areas.

We are happy to learn about your institution’s participation in several social programmes inculcating social values among the student community. We seek your kind patronage and continued support to IDF’s humanitarian programmes.

We would request your goodself to extend all possible help to us during this Academic Year too to carry out the programmes in national interest.

Looking forward to your positive response and with warm respectful regards,

Dr. A. R. K. Pillai
President, Indian Development Foundation

Join IDF Group

Dear friends :

Greetings and good wishes !

We would request you go join IDF group and share ideas to develop India.

You will be posted with all the happenings of IDF and also it will give you an opportunity to share developmental thoughts in national interest.

Klick on the link to join the group : - http://groups.google.com/group/idfindia

Wishing you all a happy time,

IDF family

Smile Please !

IDF Southern Region Team is all smiles as they march ahead in the path of development.

IDF Poised to take challenges with a SMILE.

The TEAM seems to say `We are prepared to give a SMILE to those who do not have one.'

Of course, A SMILE COSTS NOTHING.

IDF Team Poised

A two-day long meeting for the Southern Region Field Officers of IDF went off successfully. The meeting was organised at Damien Leprosy Control Centre, Nilakottai, Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu on 31st May and 1st June 2007 .

While congratulating the team for the wonderful work being carried out in the humanitarian interest, Dr. Narayan B. Iyer apprised the team on the overall working of the Foundation at national level.

Mr. C. Chidambram spoke on self-motivation and gave some tips on improving memory power. Dr. S. Franklin explained the Field Team the basics of management principles and target achieving skills with the help of a slide-show presentation.

Rev. Sisters from DLCC, Nilakottai extended all hospitality in making the meeting a successful one.

Rev. Sr. Dr. Agnes Xavier, Mother Superior of DLCC congratulated IDF team for their excellent work and appreciated the support being rendered to various other NGOs in India in the areas of health, education and development.

IDF team also organised a Citizens' Reach-out programme in the Centre and mingled with the inmates. The team presented sweets and dress materials as part of reach-out programme. Mr. R. Settu presented a folk dance and entertained the inmates of the Centre.

IDF will soon be opening its 10th Empowerment Class in Nilakottai in collaboration with DLCC and provide necessary educational inputs to the underprivileged children.

Those attended the IDF Southern Regional Meeting were : Mr. R. Settu (Tirupattur), Mr. S. Sreeram (Chennai), Mr. P. Thangaiah (Madurai), Mr. Sam Deva Asir (Trichy), Mr. M. Rangasami (Salem), Mr. Mano Ranjit Lad (Sathyamangalam-Erode), Mr. F. Fredrick (Coimbatore), Mr. S. Arumainayagam (Tuticorin), Mr. H. Gurumurthy (Chitradurga), Mr. Umesh Prasanna (Dharwad) and Mr. K. Srikantha (Kolar).

IDF team is poised to take up fresh projects and work with full vigour in the coming years.


Together Everyone Achieves More.