About Us
Who we are
Our Story
Amici di Raoul Follereau, affectionately shortened to AIFO, was founded in India in 1998 by Dr. V. Ekambaram. As we said earlier, we are a Non-Governmental Organisation in Bangalore, serving as the Coordination Office for Associazione Italiana Amici di Raoul Follereau, Bologna, Italy. Our inspiration is Raoul Follereau (1903-1977), a social reformer who devoted his life to the upliftment of people with leprosy. His work lives on through many organizations across the world—all honored to call themselves Friends of Raoul Follereau or Amici di Raoul Follereau.
Our objective is to emulate Follereau’s approach of sharing love and serving people with leprosy, within different families and communities. While our early vision was focused on the eradication of leprosy through early identification and treatment, our efforts soon grew to include surveys, educational programmes and community-acceptance initiatives.
Our reach expanded to cover the North-east and Karnataka.
Our Vision
"An inclusive society of sharing love"
Our Mission
“Enhancing Quality of Life of Persons with Disabilities and Persons Affected by Leprosy”
Our Legal Status :
AIFO India is a public charitable trust, registered under Indian Trust Act No.117/IV/290/1998-1999/JNR/BLR on April 10th 1998.
We are also registered under:
Income tax and relevant financial compliances.
12A : AAATA2183QE20214,
80 G : AAATA2183QF20214,
CSR Registration : CSR00001743,
FCRA : 094420816,
PAN: AAATA2183Q,
TAN: BLRA01739D,
NGO Darpan: KA/2017/0165675,
AIFO India Team
Our Partners
SparshaGuna
Physiocare & Wellness Centre
An initiative of The Good Sam Foundation and Amici di Raoul Follereau, India
Categories Covered
- People Suffering from Pressure ulcers, Diabetic ulcers, and Mycobacterium leprae related ulcers
- Those suffering from Pain related to road and sports accidents, falls, old age, and nerve conditions.
- Those needing Assistive Devices and Aids and Appliances such as wheelchairs, rollators, walkers, crutches, hearing aids, etc.
Join us in rebuilding communites across India!
We partner, both locally and internationally, with respected organisations who share our beliefs and commitment to leprosy control and disability support.
volunteer
CHILD EDUCATION
People Save
Donated
Awards, Recognitions & Affiliations
Official partner with Government of India – National Leprosy Eradication Program - WHO Partner
Member of: Indo Italian Chamber of commerce
Member of: Disability NGOs Alliance, Karnataka (DNA)
AIFO India
Board and Advisory
T V Srinivasan
T V Srinivasan is a Founder of Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the blind (SRMAB). He is a teacher and a social worker with more than 5 decades of experience. He has an extensive experience in disability development and social inclusion projects. He has honoured several times for his contributions in the field. He has received National Award from Honourable President of India Shri Venkataraman for service for person with disabilities in the year 1989, National Award from Hon President of India Shri A.P.J Abdul Kalam in the year 2005. T V Srinivasan is serving a as trustee for Amici Di Raoul Follereau since 1998.
Dr. Jose
Dr. Jose has been Director of AIFO India since 2001. He holds a Ph.D in Sociology, pioneer in the rehabilitation of people affected by leprosy with community based approach. For over 30+ years, Dr. Jose is leading the battle for leprosy eradication working in several capacities including national and international leadership positions, an expert CSOs facilitator, working in the public health space, as a research lead and as a consultant for monitoring and evaluation.
Alphin Joseph
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Mrs. Anna Mary
Mrs. Anna Mary Josephine is a Young, dynamic woman who endorses women empowerment. She is a Law Post graduate and training expert who has more than 10 years of experience. She completed her LLB at Sheshadripuram Law College and LLM at Karnataka state open University. Anna Mary Completed her MSW at Periyar University, Diploma in counselling and psychology at Anugraha University Dindugal , Tamil Nadu. She is currently working at ECHO (Local NGO) as a Programme Co-ordinator handling counselling and legal advisor. Anna Mary is highly motivated and committed to share her expertise for the organization. In the year 2019 she joined as trustee Amici di Raoul Follereau. She supports the organisation and provides advice on legal aspects.
Ms Emily Kizhakekara
Ms Emily Kizhakekara is a retired nurse who is an active member of International medical association(IMA), Kerala. She wa working with IMA in Leprosy and CBR project 1991 to 1998. She rendered her service in Oncology after doing her specialization in Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She also have 15 years of service experience in Oncology ward of Holy Spirit Hospital, Mumbai as Ward Manager. From 2017, Ms Emily Kizhakekara is serving as a trustee of Amici Di Raoul Follereau. Her expertise and commitment is an asset to the board.
well-wishers
Dr Nagendra Prasad
Dr Nagendra Prasad is a doctor and well-known social worker in Bangalore. He is famous for his work with people affected by leprosy, people living with HIV and Prisoners. Dr Prasad has initiated the 45 marriages among the people affected by leprosy in past two decades. He is associated with many other organisations and people movements like Project vision, Summanahalli etc. Dr Prasad serving as a trustee of Amici Di Raoul Follereau since 2002.
Ms Vijayalakshmi
Ms Vijayalakshmi, is a young, dynamic women who endorses financial empowerment. She is an MBA graduate and financial expert who has more than 10 years of experience. Presently, she is heading the finance in a reputed engineering college in Bangalore. She is highly motivated to spend her expertise on the developmental sector. In the year 2018, Ms Vijayalakshmi joined as trustee Amici di Raoul Follereau.
Dr. Daisy Kandathil
Dr. Daisy Kandathil, doctor by profession and social worker by passion. Dr Daisy graduated in Medicine from University of Rome and specialized in Tropical Medicine. She practiced as a doctor in two missionary hospitals and did a pilot project on leprosy and tuberculosis, included in a basic medicine program in early 1980sIn the year 2015, Dr Daisy honoured by Follereau-Damien Prize, awarded by the Cercle de Solidarité Follereau-Damien for her selfless services. She is serving Amici di Raoul Follereau since 1998.
