Nashik, Maharashtra, 15th January 2021: Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF), an organisation dedicated to the socio-economic empowerment of persons affected by leprosy and their families, inaugrated its Zonal office in Nashik, Maharashtra to advance its efforts to mainstream persons affected by leprosy and their families by providing them livelihood & education.The inauguration was done online in the presence of Shri Dinesh Trivedi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Shri Pankaj Ballabh, Vice President, CSR, Bajaj Auto Ltd.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dinesh Trivedi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha said, “It gives me great happiness to note S-ILF’s contribution in mainstreaming persons affected by leprosy & their families.” Talking about leprosy he said, “Leprosy had the same stigma attached to it, as experienced in the recent Covid pandemic. However, improved knowledge had helped to dispel this fear. The spread of knowledge about leprosy would help fight against leprosy & the stigma associated with it”.

On the occasion, Shri Pankaj Ballabh, Vice President, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “We at the Bajaj group are happy to join hands with S-ILF to support this noble cause and are glad to witness the efforts S-ILF is making to change the lives of persons affected by leprosy. I am confident that our joint efforts will help bring awareness and acceptance in the society and would further reduce the discrimination faced by persons affected by leprosy and their families.’’

Mr. Tarun Das Chairman, Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF) reaffirmed the commitment of the organization to further increase the opportunities for persons affected by leprosy and their families. He said, “We will keep expanding our horizon to cater to the most marginalized members of the society and seek partnerships to work collaboratively for the socio-economic development of those affected by leprosy & their families. “

About Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF)

Instituted in November 2006, Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (S-ILF) works towards mainstreaming persons affected by leprosy and their families through socio-economic empowerment, thereby fighting stigma and restoring dignity. Our area of focus are:            

• Providing technical and financial support for setting up micro-enterprises enabling self-employment
• Providing access to vocational training and higher educational opportunities
• Empowering persons affected by leprosy to access government welfare schemes
• Creating awareness about leprosy among all sections of society
• Engaging with opinion and policy makers for the rights and inclusion of persons affected by leprosy