LEOMEL is a voluntary organization of Belagavi committed to the welfare of dying, destitute and abandoned people serving the society and running Karunalaya home for almost two decades. The interesting part, it functions all on its own through generous donations from family and friends of Anita Rodricks, the noble soul behind this organization dedicated to the welfare of the less privileged brethren of our society. Karunalaya is based at Navage village, about 14 kilometres from Belagavi on Jamboti and VTU road. It is run and managed by members of the LEOMEL Society. Fr Victor D'cruz is the honorary President of the LEOMEL society shouldering multiple responsibilities in running the organization. He is also a Priest serving in the Belgavi Diocese. In an interaction, Anita Rodricks found time to trace the history of LEOMEL society and Karunalaya, odds on the way and the smooth ride later and so far. Excerpts from the interview: Q: What made you start Karunalaya in Belagavi? Anita Rodr
The 11th National Symposium on Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine for Lymphatic Filariasis and Other Chronic Dermatoses was held by the Institute of Applied Dermatology, Kasargod at Begusarai, Bihar. Prof. Terence J Ryan Emeritus Professor of Dermatology, Oxford University UK, Prof. Gail Todd Dermatology Department University of Cape Town South Africa, Smt. Alankrita Pandey, Executive Director, Rajya AYUSH Samiti, Bihar and other national and international clinical experts participated in the program. As a part of the patient house visit, the team met many patients affected by lymphatic filariasis in various villages around Patna. The house visit program was led by IAD Mentor Prof. Terrence j Ryan and Director Dr SR Narahari. Dr Suresh joint advisor ministry of Aysh, director (Ayu) and Dr KS Prasanna Sr. Dermatology consultant of IAD also joined the program. The team briefed the villagers on the steps for preventing filariasis and treatment procedures to be followed. Treatment kits we