Lions met for a cause

Lions Club of Marol, Mumbai has been a constant supporter of leprosy eradication programmes of IDF.

Lion M.R.Varghese and his team presented a donation cheque to Dr.Narayan B. Iyer of IDF during one of the fellowship meeting held on 29th April 2010 at Andheri, Mumbai as a token of support to poor and the needy.

IDF thank Lions Club of Marol for their continued support !!!

Networking for a cause

The Committee Members of Jal Ratan Deep Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. appreciated the work of Indian Development Foundation. The members visited IDF office on 25th April and had discussion with Dr. Pillai and Dr. Narayan on the overall social workings of the Foundation.

Dr. A.R.K.Pillai apprised the members on the national work carried out by the Foundation from Jal Ratan Deep Society where the HQ of the Foundation is located.
(L/R) Mr. B. Podder, Mr. S. Joseph, Mr. Anil Kumar Malpani, Mr. K.P. Maheshwari, Dr. A.R.K. Pillai, Mr. Rituraj Gupta and , Mr. D.G.Chavan.

Tribute to Pandubaba

Indian Development Foundation condoles the passing away of Shri PandurangJi, the senior most inmate of Sarthak Manav Kushthashram (SMK), Jaipur, on 24th April 2010. Shri Pandurang, affectionately known as Pandubaba, was pioneer in establishing rehabilitation unit of SMK and was instrumental to motivate people affected by leprosy to regain their confidence and dignity in life. He was ray of hope for the people in distress and suffering. IDF had long years of association with Pandubaba who was a source of inspiration to many. May God give his soul eternal rest. (Photo : Dr. ARK Pillai in an animated discussion with Pandubaba)

Supporters Galore

Dr. A.R.K. Pillai in animated discussion with important personalities in Rajasthan during April 2010.

Shri P.D.Singh, Chairman of Tagore Group of Institutions, Jaipur

Mrs. Suniti Sharma, Principal, Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls School, Jaipur

Dr. A.K. Pande IAS (Retd), State Election Commissioner, Rajasthan and Shri Suresh Kaul, President, Sarthak Manav Kushthashram, Jaipur

Shri Balwant Singh Chirana, Director, Vidya Bharati Shiksha Samiti, Sikar

4 states still struggling with leprosy

Even as India has achieved the elimination target for leprosy, four states — West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh — are still struggling to tackle the disease that leaves people deformed and has social stigma attached to it.

According to the health ministry, India achieved the elimination target by reducing the number of cases to below one for every 10,000 population in 2005 itself, but five years later, the four states are still struggling to match the cut-off.........................

Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle (19/04/2010)

For complete news Click link
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/health/4-states-still-struggling-leprosy-485

Students paints 'environment' in a painting competition.

A splash of colors fill an empty space, a panoramic view is brought alive by painters, paintings depicting the spite and splendor of nature mesmerized the onlookers and the painters were toddlers in the age group of 5-16. An event that brought together children in order to portray their drawing capabilities was conducted by the social ambassadors and volunteers of Indian Development Foundation (IDF), an NGO that has been working for more than two decades for the development of India. A large number of kids from the neighbourhood thronged to the competition venue at MTS Khalsa High School in Goregaon on Saturday the 17th April to paint their creative talents on paper. The event was organized to mark the 40th Anniversary of World Earth Day 2010 which falls on 22nd April.



Click Link for complete report and more pics.
http://www.mangaloremithr.com/news/story.aspx?News-ID=7912

Academy for Educational Development

Ms. Mariam Alimi, Project Director, Academy for Educational Development (AED) visited IDF on 15th April and met Dr. Pillai and Dr. Narayan B. Iyer.

Ms. Mariam appreciated the work of IDF and wished to partner with the NGO for the upcoming exchange programme in collaboration with Whistling Woods.

Dr. Pillai and Dr. Iyer congratulated Ms. Mariam for her social intiatives and welcomed the idea of partnering for a cause.

How the young brigade mapped the TB genome

When nearly 400 motivated students, with the help of a few faculty and scientists, get together voluntarily and work single-mindedly, solving any complex problem can turn out to be child's play.
These students, with a few exceptions, were trying to solve a complex problem during their free time after attending classes or studying for an exam. They spent more than six hours every day for four months to achieve their goal.

For complete story click the story
http://www.hindu.com/seta/2010/04/15/stories/2010041551221400.htm
Courtesy :The Hindu - 15-04-2010

The message of hope

Dr.ARK.Pillai presenting a copy of the book `Hope on the Horizon' to Dr.M.S.Swaminathan, Chairman, MSSRF at Chennai on 10th April 2010.
The father of Green Revolution, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan quotes "With great admiration and respect for the work of Dr.Pillai and with prayers that the message of hope contained in this book should accelerate progress in achieving a leprosy and poverty free India."

FOR MORE PICTURES CLICK ALBUM LINK GIVEN BELOW.
http://picasaweb.google.com/idfmumbai/MeetingWithDrMSSwaminathan?authkey=Gv1sRgCL_1gqnAzP6KeA#

BOOK REVIEW ON HOPE on the HORIZON
http://indiandevelopmentfoundation.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-review.html

Dr. Arul Kamaraj honoured

Dr. Arul J.M. Kamaraj, Faculty, Loyola College of Social Work, Chennai and IDF Social Ambassador received `Dr.Ananthakrishnan Commemoration Research Award' for significant Research Contribution in Social Sciences during the academic year 2009 - 2010 at Loyola College, Chennai on 20 March 2010.

The Chief Guest of the 85th College Day function, Hon'ble Justice of Madras High Court Shri C.T. Selvam presented the award to Dr. Kamaraj which he received for the second time (2008-2009 and 2009- 2010).

IDF team and social ambassadors congratulate Dr. Arul Kamaraj for achieving this wonderful feat. Keep up the good work. We are proud of you !!!

Partnering for a cause

IDF team - Dr. A.R.K.Pillai, Dr. Narayan B. Iyer and Dr. S. Franklin - met Mr. John George Kurian and Mr. J. Ravichandran of GLTRA and FAIRMED at Chennai on 9th April 2010.
The teams discussed various issues strengthening social responsibility initiatives in India.

Trio engineers for a cause

Shreeram, Keshav and Onkar - the three engineering students from Mumbai came together to support IDF's humanitarian programmes.

The trio joined hands with IDF as Social Ambassadors and they have decided to take the message of goodness in the society.

We will do our best in bringing smiles on many lives and we are sure many will join hands with us in this journey of social satisfaction, said the social ambassadors with all smiles.

Shreeram is from Datta Meghe College of Engineering, Keshav is from Atharva College of Engineering and Onkar is from Thakur College of Engineering.

Dr. Pillai and Dr. Narayan briefed the youngsters as they were all set on their task of rendering social responsibility during their spare time.