President hopes for attitudinal change in India about leprosy

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed hope that there will be an attitudinal change in the society and country about leprosy and those affected by it.

Mukherjee expressed his desire in this context as he extended his best wishes to the Indian Leprosy Association for 'Anti-Leprosy Day' to be held on January 30.

"I am happy to learn that the Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh (Indian Leprosy Association) is observing Anti-Leprosy Day on 30 January, 2015 to coincide with the martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi.

"The Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi had special love and compassion for persons suffering from leprosy. It is good to know that the organisation is engaged in constructive humanitarian work in the field of leprosy," he said.

"I am sure that such awareness programmes will help in bringing attitudinal change in our society about leprosy and leprosy affected persons. It will further boost morale and motivation of persons and organisations fighting the disease. I extend my best wishes to the Indian Leprosy Association for this initiative," he said in his message.