Considering the paucity of health care resources, the NGOs and members of the public should come in large measure to supplement and support Govt. Initiatives observed Mr. Shaik Mohammad Saleem in Hyderabad. He said that the initiatives of Indian Development Foundation in the fields of health, education and development were critical and suggested that initiatives in these areas should be encouraged in good measure by the Government. Expressing his concern over the increase in the number of drug resistant TB patients in India, he called for concerted efforts in spearheading T.B. awareness all over the country.
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 to share its resources with leprosy/ TB projects and promote self-reliance. Mr. Shaik Mohammad Saleem, Dy. Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan was speaking as the Chief Guest at IDF Grants/ Awards Function at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram, Bagh Lingampally, Hyderabad on 17th August 2013. He gave away IDF Grants to leprosy/ TB hospitals and projects in Andhra Pradesh regions.
Mr. Saleem also presented Awards to 16 Principals of Schools in Andhra Pradesh with star Performance record of leprosy/ TB awareness programmes and resource mobilization and awarded Medals and certificates to 103 students for their signal contribution. Prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Award 2012-13 was presented to Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Ramachandrapuram, Hyderabad for outstanding resource mobilization for leprosy/ TB work in Andhra Pradesh zone. Mrs. Padma, Teacher of the School received the award on behalf of the school.
SOCIAL ACTION AWARDS 2012-13 were presented to Principals and Teachers while IDF Ambassador Award were presented to volunteers for their excellent Social Responsibility. IDF Best Partner Awards were presented to Sivananda Rahabilitation Home, Kukatpally – Secunderabad Public School, West Marredpally and Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2, Uppal for excellent support extended for leprosy/ TB and environment awareness programmes.
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 and hoped that marvellous results could be managed with planned private public partnership. Dr. Pillai shared that around eight million children still did not have access to education and conveyed the resolve of Indian Development Foundation in opening a large number of Bal Gurukuls across 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. Kalpagam Polasa, Director In-charge, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, expressed her concern over the increasing prevalence of obesity and type II diabetes among children. He said people should adapt to a sensible life style. Appreciating IDF for spearheading awareness on leprosy and Tuberculosis, she emphasised that awareness on diabetes and cancer was also a need of the hour.
Dr. Usha Raman, Head, Dept. Of Communications, University of Hyderabad was Guests of Honour at the function. She said the participation of young students in social service was quite encouraging and giving a positive hope for future.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Township, BHEL, Ramachandrapuram, Hyderabad topped the list in resource mobilisation for leprosy/ TB while the second and third places went to Bhavan’s Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya, Sainikpuri, Hyderabad and Secunderabad Public School, West Marredpally, Secunderabad respectively in Andhra Pradesh Region. Sai Lalith Reddy G and Sai Chandra S.K., from Secunderabad Public School, bagged the first and the third prize in the individual students list in resource mobilisation while second prize went to Pritesh Deb. from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Vidyashram, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad.
People from all walks of life attended the well-organised function. Earlier Mr. Sanjay Ram, Project Coordinator of the Foundation welcomed and introduced the guests, while Mrs. P. Rama, IDF Social Ambassador proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Narayan B. Iyer, CEO - IDF compered at the function while Dr. S. Franklin, CE – IDF, co-ordinated the event. Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2, Uppal, Hyderabad set the tone for the event with a soulful invocation. Students from Secunderabad Public School, West Marredpally, Hyderabad had put a skit on TB awareness.