New Year celebrations with a difference

Indian Development Foundation organised New Year Celebrations with leprosy patients at Vimala Dermatological Centre, Versova, Mumbai on 27th December 2008. Citizens from different walks of life participated in the programme and shared joy with the inmates and children of the Centre.

Indian Development Foundation (formerly Indian Leprosy Foundation) a leading national NGO committed to health, education and rural development has been organizing Citizens' Reach-out Programme during New Year occasion in various places in the country to enable citizens to meet and greet leprosy patients with flowers, fruits and sweets and to wish them a speedy recovery and a Happy New Year. This is considered as an important social event and leprosy patients on this occasion get the feeling of happiness. Citizens avail this opportunity to wish the patients a speedy recovery and a Happy New Year. The interaction between the citizens and patients had drawn public appreciation for over twenty five years now, said Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, National Co-ordinator of Indian Development Foundation.

Dr. Vandana Lulla, Director, Podar International School (IB) and Chief Guest for the event expressed her happiness as she shared joy with the inmates and children of Vimala Centre. The students Podar IB School have been a regular visitor of this Centre and we feel proud to be associated with the social programmes of IDF, Dr. Vandana said.

New Year provides us an excellent opportunity to make resolutions in life. It's in giving that we receive, Dr. Vandana added.

Mr. Suresh Nair, Principal, Vivek Vidyalaya & Jr. College - Mrs. Sharada Prakash, Director, Giri Trading Agency Ltd - Mr. Manohar Mehta, President, Bangur Nagar Laughter's Club appreciated the work of Indian Development Foundation as they conveyed greetings to the children of the centre.

Important personalities, social workers, heads of educational institutions, senior citizens, teachers, members of Bangur Nagar Laughter Club, Indian Overseas Bank, Management Students from SIESCOMS Institute, students from SVKM Law College and Mumbai University NSS Volunteers took active part in the event and shared happiness among leprosy patients and children.

Citizens freely mixed with the patients, exchanged pleasantries and assured them of social support. A bright happiness was seen on the faces of the patients when citizens greeted them.
Vimala Centre wore a festive look with decorations to mark New Year celebrations. It's really a happy time for the leprosy patients and children of the centre and we are grateful to the citizens who turn out in good number to greet the people here, said Rev. Sr. Bertilla Capra, Director of Vimala Centre.

Parle Products, Royal Fashion, Laughter Club, Staff members of LIC-89G & H and citizens' and well-wishers sponsored gifts for distribution to the inmates.

A special Musical Orchestra was organized by the young Schizophrenics Band to entertain the children and the inmates of the Vimala Centre during the festive occasion who welcomed the New Year.

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