The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Rotary honours CMC doctor for indomitable spirit

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 30, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Rotary honours CMC doctor for indomitable spirit

Staff Reporter

Pursue dreams; make the best of what comes your way: Dr. Prema Dhanraj

CHENNAI: "The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, but they make the best of what comes their way. So tap your talent and shine in life," said Dr. Prema Dhanraj while receiving the Triumph of Human Spirit Award from High Court judge Justice D. Murugesan. The Rotary Club of Ambattur gave away the award on Tuesday.

At the age of eight, Prema, the eldest daughter of Rosie Stella Dhanraj and C. S. Dhanraj, sustained burns in a fire mishap at home. However, Dr. L. B. M. Joseph from the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital, Vellore operated upon her deformed face..

The hapless mother vowed to dedicate Prema for public service by making her a doctor in CMC if she survived the tragedy. Her prayers were heard, and today, Dr. Prema is a professor and head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the CMC, Vellore.

Recounting the days before her traumatic experience, Dr. Prema said she had been endowed with a melodious voice and sang beautifully. However, the accident changed it all.

"I used to be angry when people over the phone referred to me as `Yes Sir.' But, it later worked to my advantage as they did all work thinking I was a man," she said.

Here's the professor's message: dream what you want to dream, do what you want to do and be what you want to be.

Lauding Dr. Prema, former director of the CMC, Dr. Joseph claimed that there was no burn victim who had become a plastic surgeon specialising in burns treatment.

Prof. R. Venkataswamy, head of the Department of Plastic and Micro Surgery, Apollo First Medical Hospital, said burn injuries were one of the greatest problems in underdeveloped and developing countries where treatment facilities were scarce.

He urged the Rotary Clubs to adopt one burns ward in every hospital and provide all necessary help.

Dr. C. S. Ramachandran, Rotary Past District Governor, Justice Murugesan and K. Pichumani, president, Rotary Club of Ambattur were among those who lauded Dr. Prema Dhanraj's professional achievements.

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