Prema Narendra Purao
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Prema Narendra Purao | |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 August 1935 Goa, India |
| Occupation(s) | Social worker, freedom fighter |
| Known for | Social service |
| Spouse | Narendra Purao |
| Awards | Padma Shri AIWEFA Stree Ratna Award Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh Award-1999 |
Prema Purao is an Indian social worker, freedom fighter and the founder of Annapurna Mahila Mandal, a non governmental organization working for the empowerment of destitute women and children.[1] She was involved in the Goa liberation movement.[1] During the onslaught leading up to liberation, Prema was designated to transport arms to freedom fighter Mohan Ranade. As she sprinted through a certain forest, a shot was fired by the Portuguese police. Despite the bullet striking her leg, Prema kept running. Once she completed her duty and delivered the arms, she was smuggled in a truck to Belgaum, where she could receive medical attention.[2] She founded Annapurna Mahila Mandal in 1975.[3]
A recipient of the AIWEFA Stree Ratna Award,[1] Purao was honored by the Government of India, in 2002, with the fourth highest Indian civilian award of Padma Shri[4]
