NEW DELHI: The Leprosy Mission India has experienced a change of guard with Dr Sunil Anand replacing Dr Jeyakumar Daniel as its new Director on September 22. Outgoing director Dr Daniel was given a rousing farewell in a function organized at Habitat Centre in New Delhi on September 21. Induction ceremony of incoming Director Dr Sunil Anand was held at Bible Bhavan in New Delhi on September 22 in the presence of TLM India staff, TLMI members, government officials and well-wishers.

Responding to his induction, Dr Sunil Anand said, “I love challenges and with God’s grace and his abundant blessings I confidently accept this responsibility. It might be a daunting task but His grace would see us through. While working in TLM at various positions, I have learnt a lot from Dr Walter and Dr Daniel.” He
thanked TLM India Board for reposing faith in him for the top job. In the handing-over ceremony, Dr Daniel has given a lighted candle to Dr Sunil symbolically urging the latter to carry forward the torch of good work for the leprosy-affected people and the most needy. Chairman Dr DPN Prasad while administering the oath of office handed over a huge key as well to the new Director. Rev. C B Samuel from Emmanuel Hospital Association gave the message on the occasion.

Mr Geoff Warne presented Dr Sunil Anand a memento on behalf of TLM International. Dr Vijay Aruldas presented him with a Bible. On the occasion two new deputy directors Mr Ranjit Mookerji, CBA, and Mr Wilfred Balraj, Corporate Services were also introduced to the gathering.

Dr Sunil Anand, a Medical graduate from illustrious institution Christian Medical College, Vellore and MD who is a dermatologist by profession has worked on various positions in The Leprosy Mission for more than two decades. He is blessed with rich clinical and administrative experience. He has started his career with TLM as medical officer and went on to serve on almost all positions before reaching to the pinnacle.

Mizo choir presented a soulful spiritual number, Dr Rajan Babu offered the closing prayer and Benediction was done by Rev. Dennis Lal. Dr Jai Xavier compered the programme.

On the previous day, Thank-giving function started with TLM India Board Chairman Dr DPN Prasad welcoming the dignitaries. Reflecting on the occasion, the Chairman said, “Dr Daniel has been a guiding figure for The Leprosy Mission and was instrumental in streamlining its functioning.”

The Deputy Director General of Health Services, Government of India, Leprosy Division, Dr P L Joshi, lauded Dr Daniel for being a great strength to National Leprosy Eradication Programme. He further said it would be a great loss to leprosy division as Dr Daniel had been important link between TLM and Government in carrying out leprosy care work across the nation.

The present incumbent of TLM Dr Sunil Anand, praised the outgoing director for his dedication, commitment and his perennial smile. TLM International General Director Mr Geoff Warne, said, “Dr Daniel would be known for his integrity and loyalty to Mission.”

The Principal of St. Stephen College Dr Valson Thampu in a soulsearching address, said, “Seeing brings transition and problems arises when we get lost in the limitless desire instead of responding to our needs. Our needs determine to the extent of our relevance, therefore we need to open our inner eyes to fulfill our needs and not to get embroiled into the cobweb of desire.”

Responding to his farewell, Dr Daniel expressed his gratitude towards TLMI, TLM India, patrons, well-wishers and others for giving him opportunity to serve Mission. “I had the privilege to work with the Mission stalwarts like V P Das, Dr R H Thangaraj, Dr C S Walter and Mr Geoff Warne, Mr Bill Edgar, Mr John Clement, TLM India Board Chairman Dr DPN Prasad and many more have left an indelible mark on my life; these great people have been an inspiration for me and molded my life.” He also expressed his gratefulness towards DDG Dr P L Joshi and Head of Leprosy Division, WHO, Dr V Pannikar, and further said, “I am happy that Dr Sunil Anand has become my successor who would certainly take TLM to great height in the years to come.”

Mr Alan Gray, Dr Rajan Babu, Mr Ranjit Mookerji, Mr Stephen Levi, Dr PLN Raju and others also spoke on the occasion. Opening prayer was done by CNI Delhi Diocese Bishop Rev. Sunil Kumar Singh. The closing prayer was done by Dr DPN Prasad and benediction by Rt. Rev. Karam Masih. The programme was conducted by Dr Jerry Joshua.