Social worker Latha Nair wins Vanitha 'Woman of the Year' Award

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala social worker Latha Nair, who has dedicated her life for the rehabilitation of those suffering from brittle bones, has won the Vanitha ‘Woman of the Year 2019’ Award.

Latha is the founder-president of the Amrithavarshini Charitable Society, which has been functioning in Thiruvananthapuram for two decades.

A native of Kowdiar in Thirivananthapuram, Latha is the daughter of late Appukuttan Nair and Saraladevi.

Turning point

Days before her marriage, Latha’s fiancé met with an accident. An Intelligence Bureau officer, K G Gopalakrishnan, was hospitalised with severe injuries. Their wedding took place at the hospital even as Gopalakrishnan was covered in plasters.

Thus, taking care of her partner's health became part of Latha's everyday life.

Latha Nair, who was the Matysafed superintendent, actively worked for the welfare of the fisherfolk community during her time in office. She then started working for those suffering from brittle bones.

Brittle bones

Brittle Bones is a condition in which the fragile bones of the affected break easily, 400 times on an average. They also would have to endure excruciating pain, proving it to be challenge even for the parents. Children as young as two-year-olds to 50-year-old people comprise the affected.

Led by Latha, Amrithavarshini workers provide treatment and a means for livelihood for the affected children.

The detailed article on Latha and her pioneering work would be featured in Vanitha's November edition.