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{{Short description|Indian plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Padma Shri awardee}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Prema Dhanraj
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| birth_date =
| occupation = Plastic and reconstructive surgeon
| known_for = Burns surgery, free reconstructive operations for burn victims
| awards = [[Padma Shri]] (2024)
}}

'''Dr. Prema Dhanraj''' is an Indian plastic and reconstructive surgeon, known for her work with burn victims. A survivor of severe burn injuries herself, she dedicated her life to helping others with similar trauma, performing over 25,000 free surgeries.<ref name="padmaawards">{{cite web |title=Padma Awards 2024 |url=https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/Document/pdf/CitationsForTickets/2024/202450.pdf |website=Padma Awards Portal |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref> In recognition of her contributions to medicine and social service, she was conferred the [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2024.<ref name="et">{{cite web |title=Padma Shri awardee Dr Prema Dhanraj narrates burn injury horror of childhood |url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/padmashri-awardee-dr-prema-dhanraj-narrates-burn-injury-horror-of-childhood/videoshow/107191565.cms |website=Economic Times |date=27 January 2024 |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref>

==Career==
Dr. Dhanraj holds degrees in plastic surgery and has worked extensively in the area of reconstructive surgery for burn victims. She has served as a professor and head of department at several medical institutions.<ref>{{cite web |title=From burns victim to burns doctor |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jan/29/padma-awardee-turned-from-burns-victim-to-burns-doctor |website=The New Indian Express |date=29 January 2024 |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref>

Her work has not only focused on medical treatment but also on psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration of survivors. Dr. Dhanraj has operated across India, including in tribal areas and underprivileged communities, often without charging a fee.<ref>{{cite web |title=Padma Shri to Prema Dhanraj: A burn survivor who rose to be a pioneer in reconstructive surgery |url=https://www.sarkaritel.com/padma-shri-to-prema-dhanraj-a-burn-survivor-who-rose-to-be-a-pioneer-in-reconstructive-surgery/ |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Prema Dhanraj gets Padma Shri award for free surgeries on 25,000 burn victims |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/national/dr-prema-dhanraj-gets-padma-shri-award-for-free-surgeries-on-25000-burn-victim-biography-struggle-story/2079183 |website=Zee News |date=26 January 2024 |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref>

==Recognition==
Dr. Dhanraj's life and achievements have been widely covered by Indian media for her resilience and humanitarian approach. Her story has been highlighted as a symbol of overcoming adversity and empowering others.<ref>{{cite web |title='Looks don't matter, life is precious': Padma Shri awardee Dr Prema Dhanraj |url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/looks-don-t-matter-life-is-precious-padmashri-awardee-dr-prema-dhanraj-756739 |website=NDTV |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Burns victim turned surgeon among 9 selected for Padma awards in Karnataka |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jan/26/burns-victim-turned-surgeon-among-9-selected-for-padma-awards-in-karnataka |website=The New Indian Express |date=26 January 2024 |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref>

==Legacy==
She is credited with transforming the landscape of burn care in India and mentoring several generations of reconstructive surgeons. Her work continues to inspire medical professionals and social workers alike.<ref>{{cite web |title=Crusader for tribal rights, plastic surgeon who made a mission out of personal tragedy in Padma Awards list |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/crusader-for-tribal-rights-plastic-surgeon-who-made-a-mission-out-of-personal-tragedy-in-padma-awards-list/article67777661.ece |website=The Hindu |date=25 January 2024 |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Burn survivor to saviour for over 25,000 people |url=https://www.news9live.com/state/karnataka/padma-shri-for-dr-prema-dhanraj-burn-victim-to-saviour-for-over-25000-people-2419053 |website=News9Live |date=26 January 2024 |access-date=23 June 2025}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Padma Shri]]
* [[Reconstructive surgery]]

==References==
<references />

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Medicine|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in medicine]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Prema Dhanraj - Revision history

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