Shanti Teresa Lakra

Shanti Teresa Lakra is an Indian medical nurse and healthcare professional, known for her services to Onge tribe in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in the aftermath of the Tsunami of 2004. The Government of India honored Lakra in 2011, with the fourth highest civilian award of Padma Shri.

Biography

Shanti Teresa Lakra was born in a small hamlet called Rangat in the Middle Andamans, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 1 May 1972. She worked there for five years during which the Tsunami of 2004 caused devastation to the settlements. A UNICEF trained health professional, Lakra worked with the Onge people which is known to have had a positive effect on the life expectancy of the dwindling Onge population. the highest Indian award in the category of nursing healthcare. A year later, the government followed it up with the fourth highest civilian award of Padma Shri.

Shanti Teresa Lakra is married to Shaji Varghese who runs a small business unit. The couple has a son.