New Delhi, Nov 24 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday met Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of The Nippon Foundation, who has worked extensively for the leprosy-affected in India.

Modi expressed deep appreciation during the meeting for Sasakawa’s personal commitment to the cause of eradication of leprosy, both in India and across the world, an official release said here.

Sasakawa had initiated in 2005, the establishment of the National Forum of People Affected by Leprosy in India, a nationwide network of leprosy colonies.

The Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation (SILF), established by him, is a charitable institution dedicated to the task of mainstreaming leprosy affected and cured people through economic and social empowerment.