Lead,Kindly Light…

Lorraine who contracted polio at a tender age grew up at an orphanage attached to Dr Graham’s Home,a school in Kalimpong,and dared to dream big and emerge a winner under the most trying circumstances.

On the occasion of the 80th birthday of former Principal of Dr Graham’s Home,Bernard Brooks,who invited his students which included students from all across the world, the Principal described Lorraine as the most beautiful and bold student.

Lorraine grew up at Dr Graham’s Home under the care of the teachers into someone who would become the role model for the disabled with a zeal to reach out and help others. On December 3,2009 —- the World Disableds Day — she was awarded a state government award —- “ Role Model for the Disabled” —- by the former Governor of West Bengal Gopal Krishna Gandhi.

After her school final examinations in the early 80s,with no one to fall back upon she appeared in a number of certificate examinations of Pitmans Board in stenography computers in London. She then took up jobs in various voluntary organisations. She started her career with an international organisation Luthern & World Service and worked there for about a decade. In the mid-90s she was also the confidential secretary of Bishop of Calcutta (Churches of North India).

At present Lorraine is associated with a number of organisations on a voluntary basis like Rehabitation Centre for Children,Asha Bhavan Centre set up by author Dominique Lappriere,an organisation called Silence working for the hearing impaired.

Lorraine is also associated with an organisation working in the Sunderbans,Indrapur Dwipanchal Adarsha Seva Samity (IDASS),which is working for the Cyclone Aila-affected people in the islands. Lorraine provides a direction to these NGOs on how to go about their work.

“When I was in school,I used to cry and fight with God… what could I do with such a disability. Then I realised that by helping others I can touch the lives of other people in a miraculous way,” says Lorraine.

Lorraine who is largely associated with organisations working for the cause of the disabled,feels that there should be more opportunities for the disabled so that they can live in the society with their head held high.

“When people look down upon the disabled as they looked down on me I just want to say that don’t look at our disability but look at our abilities and give us opportunities to contribute to the society,” says Lorraine.

She has visited 18 countries across Europe and Asia in her working career with various social organisations. Other than her social work,she has got international scholarship to work in countries like Norway.

Known to her friends as Lolly,she might need crutches to walk. However,her strength is insurmountable. She stays at Entally in Kolkata with a friend’s family that has adopted him. To Palash Mitra,who hails from the Sunderbans,Lolly is like her sister and she lives with his family.

Meanwhile,there is something more to Lorraine. She is also the winner of three gold medals in skiing at Norway in three kilometers,five kilometers and ten kilometers in the disabled category where more than 1,000 participants from 15 countries participated.

Lorraine who has entered her mid-life with over 24 years of experience is still eager to work for social organisations.

“I feel that organisations and governments should do something for people living on the roads. Although Mother Teresa has set up homes for the dying and the destitute living on the roads in the city,still a lot needs to be done,” she says insisting that given a chance she is keen or working in this area.

Lorraine is not resting on her laurels and her quest to make a difference in the lives of the many who are suffering goes on.