Indore, February, 2022: Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation(S-ILF), an organization dedicated to the social and economic empowerment of persons affected by leprosy and their families has initiated the creation of alumni networks of the youth from leprosy background. The first such network has been formed in Madhya Pradesh. Since 2012, S-ILF has supported more than 130 youth from Leprosy colonies in the state to pursue higher professional education.Several of these S-ILF scholars are now doing jobs in reputed organisations and are well established. Seeing their mainstreaming and the potential to influence other youth from leprosy background, S-ILF has initiated a new platform where these scholars come together to form Youth Leadership Council.More than 70 scholars joined the day-long training workshop to hone up their leadership skills and came to a befitting end through a cultural event which was put up by the scholars. The program was supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and provided an opportunity for scholars to interact with industry. The dignitaries present at the event included Mr Tarun Das, Chairman S-ILF, Mr Saurabh Singla, Chairman- CII- Madhya Pradesh who was the Guest of Honour and Dr Derek Patsy Lobo, Trustee S-ILF who was the Chief Guest. The event was organised at Hotel Amarvilas, Indore.
The Youth Leadership Council is a diverse, youth-driven group that stands to up hold leadership, promote change, and will raise awareness about leprosy in local, state and national level.The aim being to end stigma against Leprosy & ensure equal social, economic and cultural opportunities through their networking among people affected with Leprosy and their families. S-ILF would continue to support the setting up of alumni networks across other states.