The state government has chosen three women for the Kalpana Chawla Award for their courage and enterprise. While two are medical practitioners, the third is a sportsperson who has won medals in international events despite suffering from polio. The award carries a cash component of Rs 5 lakhs.
Dr Pushpanjali
On September 23 last year, her son Hithendran suffered and became brain dead. Realising that their son could not be saved, Dr Pushpanjali and her husband Dr Ashokan donated his organs. By doing so, they set off a trend that continues to be followed by many families even in rural areas.
Hithendran’s heart, kidneys, corneas and liver were harvested. The organs saved the lives of an eight-year-old who was seriously injured and a couple of others who were in critical condition.
``I dedicate this award to all the families that came forward to donate the organs of their near and dears who were declared brain dead…Hithendran’s demise created a fresh awareness about organ donation among the people,’’ Dr Pushpanjali told Express. She broke down while saying ``As a mother, I can’t be more happy about the award… the State government’s gesture would motivate many more families to come forward to donate the organs of their brain-dead relatives.’’
Dr N Rajamaheswari
Dr N Rajamaheswari (54), the first urogynaecologist in India, has been serving at the Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital, Triplicane for the past 23 years. The hospital, popularly known as Gosha hospital, was established 125 years ago for catering to the needs of Muslim women in the area.
Dr Rajamaheswari helped establish the new surgical specialty in her hospital and brought to light the need to address urogynaecological issues by creating awareness amongst public and professionals. She also ensured that facilities for women patients at her government hospital were on par with its corporate counterparts.
In fact, the urogynaecology unit at this hospital has been rated the best such unit in India by the Royal College of Australia & New Zealand. Dr Rajalakshmi has presented about 100 papers in various national and international conferences and delivered hundreds of guest lectures.
“The honour accorded to me would inspire many other doctors to chose this speciality and serve women with urogynaecological problems,” Dr Rajamaheswari told Express.
R Rajalakshmi
Rajalakshmi (30) hails from Usilampatti in Madurai district. She suffered a polio attack on her right leg when she was barely three years old. But with the encouragement of his father, she studied further with a special interest in sports.
Rajalakshmi, who holds a masters degree in commerce, is now pursuing her MBA. Recently, she took part in the Open Sports Championship in the UK. In 2004, she took part in a sports meet held at Belgium and won gold and silver medals for events like discus and javelin throws. In 2006, she attended an international sports meet at Malaysia and won more medals.
Rajalakshmi is awaiting the selection test for the World Games to be held at Taipei next year. She hopes to win at least two gold medals in the event.
Observing wryly that the name of her native place Usilampatti is better known for female foeticide, Rajalakshmi said the award is a great honour. The polio attack had given her a conviction to fight against all odds and move further.
Apart from sports, she is interested in practising yoga, which she learnt from the Vedathiri Maharshi’s spiritual movement.
