Raphael - Changing Lives in the Himalayan Foothills

Raphael, the internationally renowned Indian charity, is located in Dehra Dun in the foothills of the Himalaya. Established in April 1959 by Leonard Cheshire and Sue Ryder, for almost 50 years Raphael has been dedicated to improving the lives of some of India's most disadvantaged people.

This collection of films - most of which were made by the Ryder-Cheshire Foundation - explores Raphael's work over four decades, working with people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, tuberculosis and leprosy. Some of the attitudes and language used in these films are very much a product of the time in which they were made, however they offer a rare and remarkable record of Raphael's ongoing work.

For more information about Raphael and details of its work today see www.raphaelicare.org

Robin Baker
Head Curator, BFI National Archive

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