- The entry of Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) into its 34th year of glorious service was marked by the recognition of its academic achievements by the most prestigious scientific body in India which is exclusively devoted to the cause of scientific advancements in leprosy.
- At the 27th Biennial Conference of the Indian Association of Leprologists (IAL) held in New Delhi on 2-4 October 2009, BLP made several notable contributions through invited lectures and proffered papers.
- IAL released its first Text Book on Leprosy in which three chapters were written by the staff of BLP.
- IAL honored Dr R Ganapati, Director Emeritus BLP by decorating him with “Life Time Achievement Award”. Dr RK Srivatsava, Director General Health Services, Govt of India gave away the Award with a Citation (attached) and a Memento (see below). Dr VM Katoch, Director General ICMR and Secretary Health Research Govt of India, Dr Ben Naafs, Leprosy Expert from Netherlands and the luminaries and leprologists applauded BLP for its achievement.
- Dr Ganapati and / or Dr VV Pai are also scheduled to participate in the International Leprosy Conference in Kazhikstan this month and are also expected to take a leading part in the Dermatology Conferences in Bombay, Ahmedabad and Lucknow in the coming months.
- These engagements indeed symbolize the Crowning Glory of the tireless, unparalleled and almost superhuman efforts put in by a very small group of workers and doctors for over 3 decades under able leadership.
P.S : It was an irony that the 33rd Anniversary of such an internationally recognized NGO with such unquestionable scientific credibility was also marked by the highly disturbing news that the German Leprosy Relief Association (GLRA) which has been offering financial support to BLP all these years announced an abrupt withdrawal of funds with effect from 31st December 2009. There is a lurking fear that the institution may no more be able to function with the same degree of enthusiasm.
It is hoped that all those well-wishers and donors will come to the rescue of BLP to maintain its high standards of research as well as humanitarian activities as usual.
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“The rich in India must worry more about the poorest, the underdogs……I am not suggesting a sea change (for the rich)…from being Henry Ford to becoming Mahatma Gandhi…But every Indian citizen needs to be more concerned about the poorest and the most deprived sections of our society”.
---Nobel Laureate Amarthya Sen
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CITATION
Indian Association of leprologists
Life time Achievement Award
To
Padmashree Dr RamasWamy Ganapati
The Indian Association of Leprologists takes great pleasure to honor Padmashree Dr. Ramaswamy Ganapati of Mumbai with Life Time Achievement Award for his untiring research work for the cause of suffering humanity affected by leprosy. Dr Ganapati is one of the most active leprologists of mother India who had dedicated his whole life towards the community socio medical care service for the leprosy sufferers.
Presently Dr Ganapati is the Director Emeritus of Bombay Leprosy Project and the Chairman of Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh, Maharashtra Branch. Vice President of Society for the Eradication of Leprosy (SEL). Acworth Leprosy Hospital Society for Research, Rehabilitation and Education in Leprosy. (ALH RRE Society),
He was the President of Indian Association of Leprologists from 1987-89 (earlier Vice President and Hony. Secretary), Maharashtra State Branch of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists, (earlier Vice President and Treasurer), Chairman of Rehabilitation Committee, Maharashtra, Vice President of Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped, Western Zone. Consultant of Technical Support Team of German Leprosy Relief Association (GLRA) to assist NLEP in Gujrat.
He was the Member of WHO Expert Advisory panel on Leprosy., Governing Body of Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Physically Handicapped (VRC)., National Leprosy Eradication Commission., Gavai Committee of Govt. of Maharashtra.
He was the Consultant Leprologist (WHO/Govt. of India): from 1986 to 1991, Special assignment (G.O.I./W.H.O) as Chairman & Member Independent Evaluation Team (IET) in 10 states (1991 to 1997).
Dr Ganapati Contributed over 200 article in various National and International Journals as well as Chapter in 12 Books. He published book: named “Leprosy a Glimpse at the Changing Scenario” in 1996.
Ramaswamy Participated in several State level National and International Conference, Workshops & Seminar, International Leprosy Congress; Mexico (1978); New Delhi (1984); The Hague (1988); Orlando (1993); Beijing (1998); Salvador, Brazil (2002), Hyderabad (2007). He had visited 26 Countries on Official assignments.
Dr Ganapati was decorated with Padmashri in 1983 by Govt. of India, Jalma Trust Fund Oration Award (ICMR) in 1987, ND Diwan Memorial Award (NASEOH)- (1989-90), Fr. Maschio Humanitarian Award in 1983, Indian Leprosy Foundation Award for Excellence in 1984, Award for Excellence by the Govt. of Maharashtra and IAL Maharashtra in 1997, Award for Outstanding Community Service by Rotary Club, Bombay 2002.
This august gathering of Indian Association of Leprologists along with the assembly of medical fraternity of this Capital City of Indian wishes Ramaswamy a CENTURIAN LIFE in all his future endeavours.
