Late: Ashok B. Verma (1942 – 2004)

Mr. Ashok B. Verma - the founder of Hemophilia Federation (India), he was the leading light of the hemophilia movement in India. Under his stewardship, Hemophilia Federation (India) grew into an organization of 65 hemophilia societies all over India. It is because of him that today HFI holds the distinction of being not only the sole voice of people with hemophilia in India but also an organization managed by the sufferers of this disorder themselves. By virtue of his affable and gregarious nature he won many friends for persons with hemophilia, both in India and abroad. He had a vision and commitment to the cause that was second to none. His passion and zeal to bring management and treatment of hemophilia within easy reach of PWH in India was appreciated across the hemophilia world. These brought rich dividends to Hemophilia Federation (India) in terms of treatment, care systems and infrastructure to run self help organization as large as HFI.

The hemophilia movement in India shall remain forever indebted to this one man whose zest for life, strength of character, determination and will to make things happen, despite personal hardship, changed the lives of thousands of persons with hemophilia forte better. Though he had received no formal business education he very ably steered Hemophilia Federation (India) for the last two decades, not just as a volunteer but also as an employee, when he made a conscious decision to close his private business to concentrate solely on hemophilia movement in India.

His personal belief was that lack of formal education is not a deterrent to a man’s success. His life bears testimony to his belief. 

My path was lonely, long and bare, but friends joined in, we learnt to care

The sharing made our journey bright; our road’s less traveled but it is right

Now I say “adieu” and not goodbye, Farewells are for others, not you and I