SheSpeaks

Homage to Anandibai Joshi: First Indian female practitioner of western medicine

31st March may merely be an onset of a new month for many, but for others, the day represents hope, tenacity and much more. Exactly 156 years ago today, a baby girl was born in Kalyan who was to become the first Indian female practitioner of western medicine one day and make history. While her achievements in the medical field are unparalleled, her journey is what is more awe-inspiring.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi was born to a family of landlords and at a mere age of nine, she was married to Gopalrao Joshi, a widower who was almost twenty years older than her. Despite his age and the times that they lived in, the latter was a progressive thinker. At the age of fourteen, Anandibai gave birth to a child however, due to a lack of proper medical facilities, he passed away. The incident proved to be a turning point in Anandibai’s life because that was what led her to pursue medical education. With the support from her husband, she moved to Calcutta where she learnt Sanskrit and English.

Also Read – Indian women chefs who left indelible culinary footprints across the nation

In 1880, Gopalrao wrote a letter to a well-known American missionary – Royal Wilder, stating his wife’s interest in studying medicine in the states. Anandi was on the verge of being able to pursue her dream but the orthodoxy of the then society proved to be a major hurdle. For Gopalrao, he wanted his wife to set an example for other women and for Anandibai, she wished to offer the society what the Indian healthcare system couldn’t, to her dying child. It took a fitting speech at Serampore College Hall for her to be able to receive support from all over India – financially and otherwise. Anandibai later went to the US where she pursued her medical studies.

Despite contracting tuberculosis and the health issues that she faced, she successfully graduated with an MD in 1886. The following year, upon her return to India, she died of tuberculosis before turning 22.

Although Anandibai’s life was short-lived and she practiced medicine for a mere two or three months, she has inspired millions of people from far and near.

Similar Story – From senator to America’s first female Vice President: Kamala Harris’s incredible journey

Many women may have broken glass ceilings in today’s times across varied sectors. However, during the 1800s, the kitchen was supposedly the only place women were meant to be and pursuing education was too far-fetched of a dream. This is where Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi’s journey stands out!

Andrew s

Andrew has been in the online publishing industry. After receiving his degree in professional journalism from the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, he contributed to multiple websites as a freelance writer and feature editor. Mostly, Andrew tackles controversies and theories that lead to a specific conclusion that either debunk or justify a particular claim. Further, Andrew participates in social developments that aim to simplify every individual's way of life and fight for peace. He is the new Editor-in-Chief of Pressroom Today.

Share
Published by
Andrew s

Recent Posts

Vision for Boosting Agricultural Productivity in India: A Focus on Soil Health and Technology

“The future of Indian agriculture depends on how well we can collaborate and innovate,” States…

1 week ago

IPL 2024 Kicks Off In Style: All-Star Teams Prepare to Play for the Cup

The popular sports league, which garners significant viewership from India and abroad, has initiated its…

8 months ago

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India’s Future Awaits ‘Saath Phase Paar’

The total number of registered voters is more than the combined population of all European…

8 months ago

Scam 2024: The Electoral Bonds Scheme And Its Top Contributors Come to Light

Who paid whom, how much and WHY? These are the general questions that everyone asked…

8 months ago

Growing FinTech Sector in India: Key Players and Innovations with Alok Kumar Agarwal

Alok Kumar Agarwal states, “The Indian FinTech sector is not just growing; it is revolutionizing…

8 months ago

Centre Notifies Rules for CAA: Stirs the Indian Political Arena Across Different Levels

The new legislation aims to uplift persecuted minorities by granting them Indian citizenship based on…

8 months ago