Chennai, 10 August (H.S.): At 75 years old, Noori Amma has lived a life marked by hardship and struggle, yet her determination and resilience have transformed her into a beacon of hope for many. Born as Noor Mohammad in a remote village in Ramanathapuram, Noori Amma faced physical abuse and societal pressure from a young age due to her feminine body language. Despite these challenges, she found the courage to flee her home and start anew in Chennai at just 15 years old.

Noori Amma's journey took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with HIV in 1987, becoming the third person in India to be identified with the condition. This life-altering experience could have broken her spirit, but instead, it fueled her passion to help others. With the support of Dr. Usha Raghavan, Noori Amma began working with the Community Action Network and the Indian Positive Network, raising awareness about AIDS and supporting patients who were often shunned by society.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Noori Amma's story is her dedication to rescuing abandoned children. Over the past two decades, she has saved over 300 children, providing them with love, care, and support. Her child care home in Cholavaram is a testament to her unwavering commitment to these young lives. Noori Amma's work has not gone unnoticed, and she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Puducherry government in 2021.

Today, Noori Amma continues to inspire countless people with her story of transformation from agony to warrior. Her ultimate dream is to receive the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in recognition of her tireless work for society. As she looks back on her life's journey, Noori Amma's spirit remains unbroken, and her dedication to helping others continues to be a shining example of resilience and determination.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary