What Was Dr Ruth Pfau Philosophy in Her Life?

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Martha Robinson

Dr Ruth Pfau was a German-Pakistani physician and nun who devoted her life to fighting leprosy in Pakistan. She arrived in the country in 1960 and soon became known as the ‘Mother Teresa of Pakistan’. Her selfless service to humanity earned her numerous accolades and awards, including the Nishan-e-Quaid-i-Azam, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards.

Dr Pfau’s philosophy in life was simple yet powerful – to serve humanity with love and compassion. She believed that every individual, regardless of their race, religion, or social status, deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.

Early Life

Born on September 9th, 1929, in Leipzig, Germany, Dr Pfau was the youngest of five sisters. Her family fled to West Germany during World War II, where she completed her education and went on to study medicine at the University of Mainz.

In 1957, Dr Pfau joined the Society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary (DHM) in Paris. She took her final vows three years later and was sent to India for missionary work. During a brief stopover in Karachi, Pakistan, she witnessed firsthand the plight of leprosy patients living on the streets.

The Fight Against Leprosy

Dr Pfau was deeply moved by what she saw and decided to stay in Pakistan to help. She founded the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) in Karachi in 1962, which has since grown to become one of the largest leprosy control programs in the world.

Dr Pfau’s approach towards leprosy patients was revolutionary at that time. She not only provided medical treatment but also offered them love and care that they had been deprived of for so long. Through her efforts, thousands of patients were rehabilitated back into society, and the stigma associated with leprosy was gradually reduced.

The Legacy

Dr Pfau’s tireless efforts towards eradicating leprosy in Pakistan earned her numerous awards and honors, both locally and internationally. She continued to work at MALC until her death on August 10th, 2017, at the age of 87.

Dr Pfau’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched during her lifetime. Her philosophy of serving humanity with love and compassion remains an inspiration to many. As she once said, “I have learned that every patient is a human being who deserves love, respect, and care.”

  • In conclusion, Dr Ruth Pfau’s philosophy in life was centered around serving humanity with love and compassion.
  • Her approach towards leprosy patients was revolutionary as she not only provided medical treatment but also offered them love and care that they had been deprived of for so long.
  • Her tireless efforts towards eradicating leprosy in Pakistan earned her numerous awards and honors, both locally and internationally.

References:

  1. The Express Tribune – https://tribune.com.pk/story/1512408/dr-ruth-pfau-tributes-pour-great-humanitarian-passes-away/
  2. The New York Times – https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/10/world/asia/ruth-pfau-dead-leprosy.html