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Iris Grace Rajakumari Paul (born 1945) is an Indian physician, theologian, missionary, and community development worker. Paul was born into a highly religious family, and is a devout Christian. She received her bachelor’s degree in zoology from Women's Christian College, Madras and completed her MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in pediatrics at Kilpauk Medical College.
Paul was inspired to conduct missionary work after reading the biography of Albert Schweitzer, and began her missionary career after marrying RAC Paul in 1972.[1] The couple worked with the Indian Missionary Society in the villages of Malkangiri, India before joining the Indian Evangelical Mission to gain support for their work with the tribal Bondo people. Paul helped treat various diseases, including tuberculosis, malaria, and dysentery. She conducted research on tuberculosis and became a fellow of the India National College of Chest Physicians in 1986.[2]
After the death of her husband, Paul continued her missionary work in Malkangiri, eventually founding the Reaching Hands Society in 1994.[3] Paul was awarded the Yoke Fellow Award from the Direction Mission Aid Society for her development work among the Adivasi people.[citation needed] She also received the Robert Pierce Award from World Vision International for her Christian development work.[3]