The extraordinary journey of Prema Dhanraj, a 72-year-old Padma Shri awardee, epitomizes resilience and unwavering dedication. As a young girl, Prema survived a horrific kitchen fire that left her with severe burns on 50% of her body, including her entire face.
Driven by her mother’s wish, Prema embarked on a mission to bring solace to fellow burn survivors who had lost hope. Despite the magnitude of her injuries, Prema’s indomitable spirit led her to undergo multiple life-saving surgeries and emerge as one of India’s top plastic surgeons.
As Head of the Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Department at a prominent hospital, Prema’s expertise in reconstructive surgery has become renowned both in India and globally. She has dedicated her life to establishing burn treatment centers worldwide, offering hope and healing to thousands of burn victims.
Prema’s compassion extends beyond surgery; in 1999, she founded ‘Agni Raksha,’ an organization focused on the holistic rehabilitation of burn survivors. Her unwavering commitment to those who have endured the trauma of burns has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration.
From a young girl scarred by fire to an internationally recognized surgeon and humanitarian, Prema Dhanraj’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless potential of human spirit.
