Ms Anitha K: Hard Work Receives Rich Accolades

Ms Anitha K is working as a Massage Therapist with the Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) at Kasargod in Kerala. The Institute is well known for successfully developing a model of integrated medicine and effective treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis, and other causes of lymphedema bringing relief to thousands of patients across India and South East Asia.

A life of struggle to begin with: Ms Anitha K has completed 18 years of service at the IAD. Initially, she joined as an Assistant Massage Therapist in 2005. Now, thanks to her successful stint in the position she is a sought-after skilled Massage Therapist. The eldest of three sisters, Ms Anitha K's life was full of struggle, to begin with for hailing from a poor family. Her father, a daily wage earner was addicted to alcohol and her mother had to roll Beedies to make a living.

Rs 400 salary to start with: Luckily for the family, one of the younger sisters joined the Anandashram and had an education and even a job. Another younger sister was working with Mallya Hospital in Kasargod. Then, Ms Anitha K was working in a printing press after completing matriculation as a daily wage labourer. The press was into medicine paper cover printing and she was paid Rs 400/- month. That too was no guarantee as her services every day depended upon the job orders! Meanwhile, her younger sister learnt about the requirement and suggested she join the IAD.

Appreciation from patients: She joined as an assistant massage therapist to start with. Meanwhile, IAD recognizing her hard work gave her a three-month training on Panchakarma therapy. This orientation helped her to begin treating patients with lymphedema while working as a full-time massage therapist. Her approach to patient care is greatly appreciated by the patients, who keep looking forward to receiving her care.

Can converse in six languages: However, after joining the IAD, she was compelled to take a break for three years following delivery. She has two children, one studying in 7th standard and the second studying in the first standard. She is happy about her association with the IAD. Before joining the IAD, she only knew Malayalam. Thanks to the opportunity for a prolonged time she has managed to converse with the patients in Kannada, Tulu, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi as well.

No count on the number of patients treated: Ms Anitha K hasn't perceived her assignment as a paying job. She has dedicated herself to the service accompanied by the profession. Her commitment to the task entrusted to her has brought her enough laurels from the staff, management and the patients. When quizzed about the number of patients she has massaged for recovery from various ailments, she gets puzzled and admits that she hasn't kept a count of the same. However, she feels delighted to recall the instances of patients improving for the better. It is a great feeling to see the smiles of sick people feeling better over a while. Her husband also works as a Yoga Master in the IAD.

Contented with the work: Ms Anitha K is happy with the work she has been doing in the IAD. When inquired about her initial experience of handling the elephant legs, she fondly remembers-"Of course, I was sceptical of treating to start with. But in no time I found satisfaction. It is a memorable experience to see the patients improving and the joy in their faces. It so happens that many old patients keep coming now and then and they express their gratitude for becoming well. But although they continue to remember me it is difficult for me to remember them all".

IAD congratulates Ms Anitha K: In its appreciation, IAD lauds her services: Ms Anitha K hails from a small village of Kasargod. IAD congratulates Anitha for her outstanding contributions to healthcare. Anitha's journey has been truly inspiring. Though she has studied only up to 10th she embraced the opportunity for growth and underwent extensive training at our institute to become a skilled massage therapist. Today, she stands alongside our senior doctors, making a profound impact on the lives of hundreds of lymphatic, filariasis and lymphedema patients.

-Manohar Yadavatti