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Bengaluru: Dr. Prema Dhanraj, a 72-year-old burns surgeon, has been honored with the Padma Shri award in recognition of her remarkable journey from surviving a severe childhood burn accident to becoming a pioneer in reconstructive surgery. At the age of eight, Dr. Dhanraj sustained 50% burn injuries in a kitchen fire, with her entire face requiring reconstruction.
Her mother, Rosie, fervently prayed for her recovery and vowed that if her child survived, she would dedicate her life to serving humanity. Dr. Dhanraj’s resilience led her to undergo multiple surgeries and survive against the odds. Despite medical experts suggesting that burns exceeding 30% of the body can be potentially fatal, she emerged as a survivor.
Over the years, Dr. Dhanraj transformed her traumatic experience into a mission to provide support to burn survivors who had lost hope. Rising above adversity, she became one of India’s top plastic surgeons and assumed the role of Head of the Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Department at a prominent southern Indian hospital.
Dr. Prema Dhanraj, originally from Vellore in Tamil Nadu and currently residing in Bengaluru, has gained international recognition as a consultant for the establishment of multiple burn treatment centers worldwide. With a career spanning over two decades, she has performed reconstructive surgery on more than 25,000 burn victims.
In 1999, Dr. Dhanraj founded ‘Agni Raksha,’ an organization dedicated to the holistic rehabilitation of burn survivors. Her inspiring journey from burn survivor to a renowned figure in reconstructive surgery reflects her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by burns. The Padma Shri honor is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and resilience in the face of adversity.
