iMedia - Ramakrishna Math Media Gallery #Service - LCDP Rehabilitation

Enhancing Functional Rehabilitation through Customized Splints and Assistive Devices (Photos)

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:09:00 +0530

Leprosy continues to cause permanent hand deformities such as claw hand, wrist drop, and loss of grip even after cure, leading to significant functional disability among Leprosy Cured Persons with Deformity (LCPDs). Limited access to reconstructive surgery highlights the need for alternative rehabilitation approaches. Customized splints and assistive devices provide a non-invasive, cost-effective solution to improve hand function, prevent deformity progression, and enhance daily living activities.

A one-day event with lectures and Prevention of Deformity (PoD) camp was organized on 21st March 2026 at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. Prof. Dr. Shovan Saha, Department of Occupational Therapy, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and President, Society for Hand Therapy, India, delivered a lecture on “Role of Customized Splints and Adaptive Devices in Enhancing Human Participation,” emphasizing correction of deformities for LCPDs.

The event was attended by experts including Prof. Dr. V. Chandramouleeswaran, Neurologist, Prof. Dr. V.Alamelu, Leprologist and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. B. Madhan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CLRI, Mr. Manikandan, Occupation Therapist, and K. Balaji, Central Govt Counsel, Madras High Court.

Around 20 Occupational and Physiotherapists participated as Delegates. Under expert guidance, customized splints and adaptive devices were prepared and fitted for 30 LCPDs during the camp.

The program had the presence and blessings of Swami Raghunayakananda, Manager of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai and Swami Viswarajananda. The event significantly strengthened ongoing rehabilitation efforts and demonstrated the practical impact of assistive interventions in improving functional independence and social participation among LCPDs.

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Community-Based Kaanum Pongal and Sports Events for LCPDs and Families (Photos)

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 16:11:00 +0530

As part of community-based rehabilitation efforts for Leprosy Cured Persons with Deformity (LCPDs) and their family members, Kaanum Pongal and sports events were organized at two locations: Vallalar Higher Secondary School, Mela Kottaiyur, Kumbakonam, and SKNS PMC Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Perambur, Chennai. Over 170 LCDPs, along with their family members, actively participated in these events.

Participants arrived on 16th January 2026 and stayed overnight at the respective school campuses and devotional videos on the Holy Trinity were screened in the evening.

On the morning of 17th January, the Pongal festival was celebrated, followed by prayers, yoga, and sports activities for LCDPs and their families. Participants showed great enthusiasm, winners received prizes, clothes were distributed to all LCDPs, and prasadam for dinner, breakfast, and lunch was provided to everyone throughout the event.

At the Perambur venue, the Chief Guest, Shri S. Sethuraman, Managing Trustee of Sri Hari Hara Sudha Seva Samithi, distributed prizes to the winners and addressed the gathering. Sri Rajesh, Volunteer of Math coordinated the event.

At the Kumbakonam venue, the event was graced by Shri G. Palaniswamy, Correspondent of Vallalar Higher Secondary School, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Dhanaraman, Headmaster, as the Special Guest. Shri Arivazhan and Shri Joel, Physical Education Teachers, conducted the sports activities.

The Kumbakonam event was organized by Shri G. Venkatraman (Retd. Headmaster, Native Higher Secondary School), along with devotees Shri S. Sasikumar, Shri Balaji, Shri Ramanan, Shri Ravi, and Shri Kannan of Sri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Trust, Kumbakonam.

Overall, the events provided a vibrant platform for social inclusion, physical activity, and cultural celebration, contributing to the well-being and community integration of LCDPs and their families.

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Community Eyecare Camp for LCDPs and their Families (Photos)

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:14:00 +0530

As a part of medical rehabilitation, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai is conducting eye camps annually for Leprosy Cured but Deformed Persons and their Families. On 29th November, 2025, a free eye screening camp was organized through Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Chennai. The camp was coordinated and conducted by Mr. G. Chandrakumar, Senior Social Worker from Sankara Nethralaya.

More than 70 Leprosy Cured but Deformed Persons (LCDPs), along with their family members, participated in this camp. Participants were screened for ocular problems and provided with necessary medical advice, along with guidance on future treatment and follow-up care. Free cataract surgery will be performed for 14 LCDPs at Sankara Nethralaya.

This camp played a significant role in addressing the eye health needs of LCDPs and their families. Since the inception of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) services in 1988, a total of over 2,300 LCDP beneficiaries, along with their family members, have been screened, and 340 cataract surgeries have been successfully performed through the efforts of Sri Ramakrishna Math and Sankara Nethralaya.

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Visit of Officials to LCDP Rehabilitation Camps (Photos)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:06:00 +0530

Dr. S. Govindaraj, Commissioner, Office of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), Government of India, visited our rehabilitation camp on 22 February 2025. He interacted with the volunteers and was briefed on the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) services being implemented. He appreciated the integrated CBR model, which effectively combines socioeconomic and medical interventions, and noted that many LCDPs have been empowered through this approach. He also assured that his office would initiate efforts to amend or repeal various discriminatory laws affecting LCDPs at the earliest.

Dr. B. Madhan, Chief Scientist, CSIR–Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai; Dr. Gopal Parthasarathi, State Secretary, Vigyan Bharathi, Tamil Nadu; Dr. Murali Krishna, National Secretary, Arogya Bharati; Shri. Bimal Kumar Jain; Founder Secretary of Bharat Vikas Viklang Nyas and Shri V. Pradeep, Coordinator, SAKSHAM, visited the Math on 20 September 2025. They interacted with volunteers and LCDPs and distributed rehabilitation materials. The dignitaries emphasized that scientific innovations should be encouraged and translated into practical solutions for the benefit of LCDPs, particularly to address chronic ulcers, deformities, malnutrition, and to enhance immunity among affected individuals.

Smt. N. Balambigai and Smt. Gayatri from the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (Divyangjan) [NIEPMD], Chennai, visited the rehabilitation camp on 20 October 2025. They interacted with senior monks and volunteers and gained an understanding of the services provided through the CBR model. They also visited the micro-business stalls set up by LCDPs and appreciated the livelihood initiatives supporting economic self-reliance.

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Commemorating Thiyagi Subramania Siva and the Dindigul Temple Yatra (Photos)

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:03:00 +0530

The 141st Jayanthi of Thiyagi Subramania Siva, one of Bharat’s most fearless freedom fighters and spiritual nationalists, was commemorated on 11th October, 2025 at his birthplace, Vathalagundu near Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. The event, with the participation of 130 LCDPs along with their families from Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Thanjavur (Kumbakonam) and Dindigul districts, paid homage to him whose life embodied sacrifice, courage, and unwavering devotion to the nation despite severe personal as well as leprosy associated adversities.

Subramania Siva, a fiery orator of the Swadeshi Movement, inspired mass awakening against British rule in Tamil Nadu alongside V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar. The first political prisoner of Madras Central Jail, he later contracted leprosy during imprisonment at Trichy, yet remained undeterred by suffering, social ostracism, or travel bans. Through Gnana Bhanu and his spiritual writings on Sri Ramakrishna, Maa Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and Vedanta, he harmonised nationalism with spiritual wisdom. His life stands as a powerful example that a person affected by leprosy can contribute to society and the nation to the fullest of their abilities.

The programme began with Pushpanjali, followed by addresses from Chief Guest Thiru. M.S. Venkataraman, grandson of Subramania Siva’s brother, Special Guest Dr. V. Dharmalingam, Addl. Director of Rural and Health Services, Govt of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. R. Siva, Dr. S. Sivasubramanian, and Special Guest. Individuals and institutions serving the leprosy-affected community were honored for their dedicated service to LCDPs. The event also featured the release of the book “Glimpses of Inspiring Lives” by SAKSHAM and a benedictory address by Swami Arkaprabhananda, Manager, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madurai.

Prior to the event, a procession was organized in the morning through the streets and house premises where Subramania Siva had lived. On 9th and 10th October, LCDPs also visited sacred sites including Palani Dhandayudhapani Temple, Kanakkanpatti Moottai Siddhar Jeeva Samadhi, Rajakaaliyamman Temple, Bogar Siddhar Peedam (Thethuppatti), Patala Sembu Murugan Temple, and Bhuvaneswari Temple (Kambaarpatti) near Dindigul. Besides, they visited Weaving, dyeing and fabric printing factories in Chinnalapatti and the possibilities of initiating microbusiness among SHGs of LCDPs was explored.

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Rehabilitation of Leprosy Cured but Deformed Persons Annual Function 2025 (Photos)

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:12:00 +0530

Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai has been implementing the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) services for the past 37 years in association with the Health Department of Tamil Nadu. This resulted in reducing stigma and voluntary reporting of new cases. So far 2521 patients have benefitted.

The CBR service restores the dignity and self-esteem of the affected person and part of the community.

Every year Math conducts a festival in connection with Swami Ramakrishnanandaji jayanthi to give assistance to LDCPs and honour volunteers who gave their services in the LDCP department. This year the programme was held on 30th August, Saturday in the Math campurs. A total of 34 beneficiaries received assistance, and Awards were bestowed on four outstanding service providers.

The Director of Medical Service & Rural Health Services, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Additional Director of Medical & Rural Health Services attended as Chief and Special Guests. Swami Raghunayakananda, Manager of our Math delivered a benedictory address.

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Rehabilitation Services for LCDPs in Salem District (Photos)

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:32:00 +0530

As part of a sustained effort to provide community-based rehabilitation services covering both medical and socio-economic support for LCDPs in Salem district, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem jointly with Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, initiated a long-term comprehensive rehabilitation initiative for LCDPs at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem on 23rd July 2024. This initiative was carried out under the guidance and support of Swami Yatatmanandaji Maharaj, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Salem District.

The inaugural camp was attended by 59 LCDPs and their families from various localities across Salem district. The formal commencement of weekly Prevention of Deformity (POD) and ulcer treatment camps began on 16th August, 2024 in the presence of the Chief Guest Dr. V. Dharmalingam, Addl. Director of Medical & Rural Health Services (Leprosy), Chennai, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, and Special Guests Dr K. Sukanya, Deputy Director (Leprosy), Madurai, Dr. S. Soundammal, District Health Officer, Salem, Dr. N. Yoganand, District Health Officer, Attur, Dr. A. Mohan, City Health Officer, Salem Corporation, Dr. P. Radhika, Joint Director of Health Services, Salem. A new leprosy clinic was opened by Swami Yatatmanandaji Maharaj in the presence of guests and LCDP beneficiaries. During the camps, LCDPs are assessed on family background, occupation, and deformity or disability status. The camps are routinely conducted every Friday between 8.00 am to 12.30 pm, and so far, 52 POD camps have been completed, providing regular medical assistance and follow-up, benefitting 101 LCDPs in and around Salem.

LCDPs with ulcers received specialized treatment, including foot immersion in EUSOL solution, wound cleansing, and ulcer dressing with Amnion and Collagen-based products. Two LCDP volunteers from Salem were trained in ulcer dressing techniques by our Chennai Math volunteers and engaged to perform weekly dressing sessions at the Ashrama leprosy clinic with an honorarium. All LCDPs were provided with dressing materials, self-care kits, wound-healing medicines for home use, and enabling them to continue treatment and improve mobility. In addition to medical services, tea and travel allowances were provided to all participants. Swami Vedapāragānanda, In charge, Charitable Dispensary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Salem serves also In charge of the leprosy clinic.

Since its inception, this program has shown measurable success, with ulcers of 33 LCDPs completely healed in the past 12 months. In addition, monthly LCDPs are given Health Mix millet powder (Satthu Maavu) and are given to all LCDPs attending POD camps.

On 25th July 2025, to mark the completion of one year of service, Ashrama, jointly with Chennai Math, Anbu Ullangal Trust, Tamil Nadu NLEP Staff Association, and the District Leprosy Officer, Salem, organized an economic rehabilitation event. The program supported 67 LCDPs and their family members through the distribution of clothes, blankets, groceries, and other provisions. Shri. Melchior, an LCDP staff member, was also honoured for his dedicated service in dressing the ulcers of LCDPs every week, resulting in a commendable healing rate.

The Math and Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem acknowledge the donors, Kamadhenu Charitable Trust, Shri S.Karuppasami, Secretary, Anbu Ullangal, Sengottai as well as Shri P.Rajamanickam, President of Tamil Nadu Rtd NLEP Staff Association and Shri G. Subhash, Managing Committee Member & Coordinator Service Activities, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem for supporting the services.

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Workshop on “Leprosy-CBR and Clinical Interventions” (Photos)

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:46:00 +0530

The workshop on “Leprosy: Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Clinical Interventions” was jointly organized by SAKSHAM Savita, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, and the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune on 4th July, 2025 at NIN, Pune. It addressed the continuing clinical, rehabilitative, and psychosocial challenges faced by Leprosy Cured but Deformed Persons (LCDPs), particularly during the neglected post-cure phase despite the success of multidrug therapy (MDT).

The discussions emphasized that while MDT has controlled transmission, many LCDPs continue to suffer from chronic ulcers, deformities, immune reactions, disability, malnutrition, stigma, and social exclusion. Conventional biomedical care alone is inadequate to manage these long-term, multidimensional issues. In this context, AYUSH systems were highlighted as holistic, culturally rooted, and community-oriented approaches capable of integrating physical, mental, and social well-being with modern clinical care.

A key focus of the workshop was the capacity building of AYUSH professionals in rehabilitation of LCDPs and the strengthening of community-based health models. Particular emphasis was placed on proposed large-scale clinical interventions for chronic leprosy-related ulcers, for implementation in community settings.

Technical sessions covered clinical aspects of leprosy, including diagnosis, nerve involvement, immune reactions, deformities, and trophic ulcers, and sustainable long-term rehabilitation. Sessions on chronic ulcer management explored wound-healing mechanisms, biomaterial-based approaches, and low-cost self-care innovations. A hands-on demonstration of ulcer dressing conducted at the Antule Nagar colony, provided practical training in wound care and home-based management, highlighting the need for integrated clinical and community-based rehabilitation for LCDPs.

Prof. Dr. K. Satya Lakshmi, Director of the NIN, Pune, Prof. Dr. Avinash Madhav Wachasundar, ENT Surgeon and National Vice President of SAKSHAM, Prof. Dr. Kiran Shaw, Deputy Director of Dr. Bandorwala Govt. Leprosy Hospital, Kondhwa, Pune, Shri. R.Siva and Dr S.Sivasubramanian, Volunteers of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, Eminent Anthropologist Prof. R. K. Mutatkar, Dr. Kalpana Mutatkar, Former Director of Dr. Bandorwala Government Leprosy Hospital, Pune, delivered lectures and demonstrations. 64 delegates including 53 AYUSH medical professionals, volunteers serving LCDPs, LCDPs, service organizations participated in the workshop.

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125th Anniversary Celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai Rehabilitation of LCDP's (Photos)

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:04:00 +0530

As part of the 125th Anniversary Celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, a Rehabilitation Programme for Leprosy Cured but Deformed Persons (LCDPs) was organized on 7th June 2023. The event was graced by Dr. T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, as Chief Guest, and by Dr. S. Amutha, ADMS (Leprosy), and Dr. V. Dharmalingam, DDMS (Leprosy), as Special Guests.

Shri V. Saravanan welcomed the gathering, followed by an annual report by Shri K. Muralinath, Volunteer, highlighting 35 years of service that benefitted over 1900 LCDPs through sustained medical, social, and economic rehabilitation initiatives. The report outlined the services of Math on facilitating LCDPs’ access to various government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat PM JAY, disability pensions, free bus and railway passes, UDID cards, and disability certificates; and educational assistance to nearly 160 children from LCDP families. These comprehensive interventions have empowered LCDPs and their families to lead self-reliant lives with dignity. Dr. Amutha and Dr. Dharmalingam praised the Math’s impactful work and recommended that similar services be expanded to other districts like Kumbakonam, Madurai, and Salem, where ulcer burden among LCDPs is notably high.

Dr. Selvavinayagam appreciated the Math’s role in reducing ulcer burden and enabling socio-economic rehabilitation of LCDPs in Chennai and nearby districts through community-based rehabilitation. He said that the Public Health Department continues to focus on early detection of leprosy, prevention of deformities including the provision of free MCR footwear. He also said the Govt of Tamil Nadu is providing monthly maintenance allowance of Rs. 2000 for LCDPs. Shri R. Siva expressed gratitude to Dr. Selvavinayagam for facilitating timely medical and economic support during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the Math’s request.

The Chief Guest and Special Guests were felicitated for their consistent support to the LCDP community and for inclusive public health efforts. Volunteers Shri K. Muralinath and Smt. Lakshmi Devi, along with Shri P. Saravanan, an LCDP, were honoured for their committed service for LCDPs. Rehabilitation materials were distributed to 38 LCDPs during the event to support or strengthen their microbusinesses. Financial assistance was provided to two children of LCDPs for pursuing higher education and 8 LCDPs received prosthetic support.

The programme concluded with a benedictory address by Swami Dharmishtanandaji Maharaj, Manager of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, followed by a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. S. Sivasubramanian, Volunteer.

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Preconference workshop of International Leprosy Congress (ILC) (Photos)

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:18:22 +0530

As a prelude to 21st International Leprosy Congress (ILC)-2022, SAKSHAM Savita jointly with Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai conducted a 2 days Preconference Workshop on “Basics of Leprosy: Challenges and Solutions” for Volunteers and Voluntary Organizations serving LCDPs on 7th and 8th November, 2022. The goal of the workshop is to build the capacity and network the expertise across the nation to address the multifaceted challenges of leprosy by providing country specific solutions. More particularly, the workshop is aimed to implement Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) through training volunteers and Service organizations and to support the Government to implement effective rehabilitative measures benefitting LCDPs. Sessions on basic facts about leprosy, socio-economical, medical, rehabilitative and legal challenges and how to overcome these challenges by solutions were deliberated in the workshop through interactive sessions between delegates and experts.

In the workshop event, SAKSHAM-Savita Awards were given to achievers including a LCDP personality. SAKSHAM-Savita Life Time Achievement award went to Shri Bimal Kumar Jain for his services for LCDPs and his efforts to repeal various discriminatory acts against LCDPs. Shri Madhavan, who himself is an LCDP, was awarded for his contribution of services to LCDPs especially performing obsequies for more than 100 unclaimed deceased LCDPs and his other services to LCDPs. Several resolutions were made in this workshop and submitted to the Govt of India on addressing the challenges of LCDPs.

Shri. Ananta Nayak, Member of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was the Chief Guest and Dr. Ananth Reddy, Chief Administrator of Sivananda Rehabilitation Home, Hyderabad, Swami Bodamayanandaji Maharaj, President of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad and Dr P.Narasimha Rao, The Organizing Secretary of ILC-2022 and the President of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Veneriologists and Leprologists were the Special Guests of the event. Swami Bodamayanandaji delivered a benedictory address during the inaugural event. A souvenir was released at the event. The workshop was attended by about twenty experts, sixty volunteers and eight service organizations in the field of leprosy across the nation.

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