Tribal welfare worker, plastic surgeon win Padma Shri award from Karnataka

Somanna (66), a tribal welfare worker and Prema Dhanraj (72), a plastic surgeon from Karnataka

Somanna (66), a tribal welfare worker and Prema Dhanraj (72), a plastic surgeon from Karnataka.

Tribal welfare worker Somanna, and plastic surgeon Dr Prema Dhanraj are those from Karnataka who were selected by the central government for Padma Shri awards, announced on the eve of Republic Day on Thursday.

Somanna. 66, hailing from Mysuru, has been selected under the social work category while Dhanraj, 72, known as ‘Agni Rakshak’, has been selected under the medicines (indigenous-burns) category.

Somanna has tirelessly worked for the uplift of Jenu Kuruba tribe for over four decades.Jenu Kuruba is a honey-collecting tribe from the Nilgiris with around 40,000 inhabitants.

Somanna

Somanna realised the true importance of freedom and rights and went on to dedicate his life to advocating for the rights of tribals. (Express Photo)

He has assisted in acquiring title deeds to ensure the legal recognition and protection of more than 500 tribal communities residing in forest areas.

His social work also extends to environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Previously a bonded labourer, he realised the true importance of freedom and rights and went on to dedicate his life to advocating for the rights of tribal people.

Dr Prema Dhanraj, hailing from Bengaluru, has dedicated her life for the care and rehabilitation of burn victims. The work of the plastic reconstructive surgeon extends beyond surgery, championing burn prevention, awareness and policy reform.

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Prema Dhanraj founded Agni Raksha ,an NGO that has provided free surgery to 25,000 burn victims. She has also authored three books on Plastic Surgery. (Express Photo)

A survivor of 50 per cent burns at the age of eight (when a stove burst on her face while playing in the kitchen), she triumphed over personal tragedy to become a driving force of change. She underwent more than 14 surgeries as a child at Christian Medical College Vellore and went on to become a surgeon and HoD in the same hospital.

She founded Agni Raksha, an NGO that has provided free surgery to 25,000 burn victims. She has also authored three books on plastic surgery.

As part of her global humanitarian efforts, she established Ethiopia’s first burns unit, and educated doctors in Kenya, Tanzania, Norway, and Ethiopia about improving medical treatment for burn victims and creating awareness on burn prevention.

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