On the 23rd of February, 2026, LEPRA Society celebrated the recipients of the 3rd Dr. K.V. Desikan Memorial Award during its 37th Foundation Day celebrations in Hyderabad. This year, the award was jointly conferred upon Drs. Digant and Anagha Amte for their exceptional work in malaria control, and Dr. Suwash Baral for his outstanding contributions to leprosy diagnosis and health system strengthening in Nepal. Marking the Birth Centenary of Dr. K.V. Desikan, Founder Chairman of LEPRA India, LEPRA Society also conferred a Special Recognition upon Dr. Padebettu Krishnamurthy in profound appreciation of his decades of immense and sustained dedication to leprosy control and his distinguished lifetime of service.
The Dr. K.V. Desikan Memorial Award recognises individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions in the field of infectious diseases, community health, development, rehabilitation and the laboratory sciences.
Dr. Suwash Baral received the 2026 award for his transformative contributions to leprosy diagnosis and health system strengthening in Nepal. He established indigenous histopathology services that reduced diagnostic turnaround times from four months to just four weeks, significantly improving access to early diagnosis and treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Baral demonstrated extraordinary dedication by using his personal resources to sustain an in-house laboratory, ensuring uninterrupted diagnostic services for thousands of patients. His steadfast commitment to the vision of Zero Transmission has strengthened leprosy services and expanded access to quality diagnosis, even in Nepal’s most remote regions. His pioneering expertise and unwavering dedication to leprosy elimination make him a worthy recipient of this award.
Drs. Digant and Anagha Amte received the 2026 award for their transformative work in malaria control among the tribal communities of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Through a pioneering model of community-based healthcare, they drastically reduced the incidence of cerebral malaria from epidemic levels to near zero. By training tribal youth as Community Health Workers and integrating traditional healers into the formal healthcare system, they brought timely diagnosis and treatment to some of India’s most remote and underserved populations. Their proactive and innovative approach resulted in zero deaths due to cerebral malaria in 2023 and 2024 across the communities they serve. Their unwavering commitment to serving marginalised populations and advancing health equity has made a lasting impact on malaria control, making them deserving recipients of this award.
As part of the Birth Centenary commemorations of Dr. K.V. Desikan, LEPRA Society honoured Dr. Padebettu Krishnamurthy with a Special Recognition in appreciation of his decades of immense and sustained dedication to leprosy control. A highly respected figure in the field, Dr. Krishnamurthy has devoted his career to advancing leprosy care, supporting affected communities and strengthening disease control efforts. This special honour recognised his distinguished lifetime of service and his enduring contribution to improving the lives of people affected by leprosy, reflecting the values and vision championed by Dr. K.V. Desikan.
Transforming lives through healthcare, dignity, inclusion, and hope together.
Your support helps transform lives.
Be the first to know about our moving stories, new projects, and opportunities. Join our community of changemakers today!
