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About Us

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About Us

India had an estimated 4 million leprosy cases in 1982 with a prevalence rate of 57 per 10,000 populations. Several districts were hyperendemic and endemic for leprosy. With the active work of the Union Health Ministry, State Health Ministries, Municipalities and National and International NGOs, some states have already eliminated leprosy by now, with prevalence less than 1 per 10,000 population by March 2005. India has achieved the leprosy elimination status (Elimination status means achieving the prevalence rate of less than 1 patient per 10,000 populations) Consequent to the drastic reduction of leprosy cases in India and leprosy elimination in several states, it was felt expedient by the Board of Trustees to diversify and rechristen Indian Leprosy Foundation as Indian Development Foundation (IDF). Proposals were made to Govt. and the Charity Commissioner, Mumbai has approved the change of name and the diversified roles. Thus, IDF came into existence on 1st April 2005.

Indian Development Foundation (IDF) has taken its enlarged and new responsibilities spanning health, education and development areas. These are priority health areas of the Govt. and IDF is focusing its efforts in these areas.

Our Field Staff and volunteers are giving health awareness talks on these diseases to students in Schools, Colleges and Institutions throughout India. Campaigns in Mass Media are taken up with all enthusiasm.
Education to the handicapped, the poor and the marginalized children in rural areas, tribal villages and urban slums is a priority concern for IDF. Education gives empowerment in employment areas, commercial activities, health care and in fact Total Quality of Life. We are also focusing on Women Empowerment Programmes providing adult education and vocational training to women folks under – Sarva Sakhi Swabhiman (Project S-3)
IDF – Organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council since 2012.

IDF has expanded its work across health, education and development, with a focus on priority areas that have a direct impact on the quality of life of vulnerable and marginalised communities. Through our field teams, volunteers, partners and community initiatives, we work to create greater awareness, access and opportunities for those who need them most.

Health Awareness

Health awareness is an important part of IDF’s work. Our field staff and volunteers conduct awareness programmes for students and communities in schools, colleges and institutions across India, addressing important health and wellbeing issues. IDF also undertakes awareness campaigns and community outreach initiatives to encourage informed choices, preventive healthcare and healthier lives.

Education – Bal Gurukul - The Foundation for Empowerment

Education for poor, differently abled and marginalized children in rural areas, tribal villages and urban slums is a priority concern for IDF. We believe education is a powerful means of empowerment, opening pathways to employment, economic and commercial opportunities, better healthcare and, ultimately, an improved quality of life.

Project Dignity – Promoting Menstrual Health and Dignity

Project Dignity is one of IDF’s flagship initiatives, creating meaningful impact in the lives of girls & women through menstrual hygiene management & awareness. The project focuses on improving knowledge and awareness around menstrual health, promoting dignity & confidence, distributing hygiene kits & addressing the stigma & challenges associated with menstruation. Through education & community engagement, Project Dignity seeks to make menstrual health a matter of informed conversation, better hygiene and equal opportunity.

Women Empowerment – Sui Dhaaga

IDF also focuses on women empowerment through Sui Dhaaga, providing women with opportunities for adult education, vocational training and skill development. The programme aims to strengthen confidence, enhance employability and create pathways towards greater economic independence and dignified livelihoods. By equipping women with knowledge and practical skills, IDF seeks to enable them to contribute more confidently to their families and communities.

IDF IDEALS – Digital Empowerment and Life Skills

IDF IDEALS (Initiative for Digital Excellence and Life Skills) is a grassroots model for digital empowerment and life-skills development. The programme brings digital literacy and essential life skills closer to communities, particularly those with limited access to digital resources and opportunities. By strengthening digital capabilities, IDF aims to improve access to education, employment, information and essential services.

Building Inclusive Opportunities

IDF also believes in creating opportunities beyond education and health. We support initiatives that promote sports, inclusion, skill development, employee engagement and community participation, with particular attention to underserved and marginalized sections of society. Our programmes are guided by a simple principle: creating opportunities that enable individuals and communities to live with greater dignity, confidence and independence.

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Our Commitment

Through partnerships with corporates, institutions, schools, communities, volunteers and individual supporters, IDF continues to build programmes that move from awareness to action, from opportunity to empowerment, and from support to sustainable impact.

Indian Development Foundation (IDF) has been in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2012.

Together, we strive to create a healthier, educated, empowered and more inclusive society.

40
Years of Foundation
780
monthly donors
1600
incredible volunteers
688
successful campains
IDF Board 2025-2030
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CA Girish Ramakrishna

President
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Mr. NR Parashuraman

Vice President
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Mr. Jayakumar S.

Secretary
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Dr. Latha Venkateshwaran

Treasurer
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Dr. Hari Vasudevan

Trustee
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Mrs. Vijaya Shanker

Trustee
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Mrs. Mini Suboth

Trustee
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Adv. Swapnali Lindait

Trustee
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Mrs. Sarada Menon

Trustee
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Mrs. Indu Girish

Trustee
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Dr. Narayan AB Iyer

Trustee
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Dr. Geetha Mohan

Advisor
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Wg Cdr S Balasubramanian VrC (Retd.)

Advisor
IDF Executive Team
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P. Sanjay Ram

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
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Sanjay S. Waghmare

Chief Operating Officer (COO)
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Mallika Ramchandran

HR and Project Head
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Dr. Aswathy Rajan

Centre Head - Tamil Nadu
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Sridhar Viswam

Executive Secretary

Origin



  • 1. To be a national NGO with a focus on leprosy/ TB elimination work


  • 2. To be a self-supporting NGO.


  • 3. To be supported by willing and voluntary donations from the public.


  • 4. To share its major resources with leprosy/ TB/ education Projects by giving annual grants to network with NGOs/ Projects.


  • 5. To strengthen awareness about leprosy/ TB through its staff and volunteer teams, use mass communication channels, and erase social stigma.


  • 6. To work for hand in hand with Union and state health authorities and Municipal Corporations

In response to the national call by our former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi to NGOs and public-spirited people to take up leprosy elimination work, Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, the Founder President, gathered a few Samaritans and founded the Indian Leprosy Foundation. The Foundation was registered as a Charitable Trust under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and Bombay Public Trusts Act of 1950. The important purpose for which Foundation was formed is summarized below:

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Origin

In response to the national call by our former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi to NGOs and public-spirited people to take up leprosy elimination work, Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, the Founder President, gathered a few Samaritans and founded the Indian Leprosy Foundation. The Foundation was registered as a Charitable Trust under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and Bombay Public Trusts Act of 1950. The important purpose for which Foundation was formed is summarized below:
  • To be a national NGO with a focus on leprosy / TB elimination work
  • To be a self-supporting NGO.
  • To be supported by willing and voluntary donations from the public.
  • To share its major resources with leprosy/ TB/ education Projects by giving annual grants to network with NGOs/ Projects.
  • To strengthen awareness about leprosy/ TB through its staff and volunteer teams, use mass communication channels, and erase social stigma.
  • To work for hand in hand with Union and state health authorities and Municipal Corporations
Our Field Staff and volunteers are giving health awareness talks on these diseases to students in Schools, Colleges and Institutions throughout India. Campaigns in Mass Media are taken up with all enthusiasm.
Our Field Teams and Volunteer teams have been focusing on schools, colleges, and community groups to give leprosy awareness talks.

Origin

In response to the national call by our former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi to NGOs and public-spirited people to take up leprosy elimination work, Dr. A. R. K. Pillai, the Founder President, gathered a few Samaritans and founded the Indian Leprosy Foundation. The Foundation was registered as a Charitable Trust under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and Bombay Public Trusts Act of 1950. The important purpose for which Foundation was formed is summarized below:
  • To be a national NGO with a focus on leprosy/ TB elimination work
  • To be a self-supporting NGO.
  • To be supported by willing and voluntary donations from the public.
  • To share its major resources with leprosy/ TB/ education Projects by giving annual grants to network with NGOs/ Projects.
  • To strengthen awareness about leprosy/ TB through its staff and volunteer teams, use mass communication channels, and erase social stigma.
  • To work for hand in hand with Union and state health authorities and Municipal Corporations

Our Field Teams and Volunteer teams have been focusing on schools, colleges, and community groups to give leprosy awareness talks.

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