Who is the first lady doctor in India?

Written by: B. Mallicka

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first lady doctor in India

Are you looking for answers to the same question? Who is the first lady doctor in India? Her name will always remain immortal in Indian history, as she started her career in medical science at a time when women had to face many obstacles in society for education and professional life. Start knowing about her life and contribution in detail.

Who is the first lady doctor in India?

Let’s know that Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi was the lady doctor in India. Her life and struggle inspire women’s education and their rights in Indian society.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi: Birth and Early Life

First lady doctor in India

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi was born on 31 March 1865 in a small village in Maharashtra. Her father’s name was Gopalrao Kidekar. Anandibai’s family was middle class, and her father was very conscious about education. Her father had a very important place in her life, he told her about the importance of education and inspired her to fight against the narrow views of society.

Anandibai was married at a very young age. She was only nine years old when she got married to Gopalrao Joshi. Her husband encouraged her to get an education and he became the biggest supporter of her education. This was a turning point in her life, because at that time it was very common in society that girls were not given an education, and after marriage, their life was limited to the house only.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi: Education

Anandibai’s educational life was quite unusual. She first received her early education in Pune. After this, Anandibai decided to be admitted to medical college, and for this, she had to struggle a lot. At that time, women did not think of going into the field of medicine, but Anandibai made it possible with her willpower and struggle.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi took Western education

Anandibai was admitted to Pennsylvania Medical College, USA in 1886. This was a great challenge for her, because at that time women in India got very few opportunities, and getting medical education abroad was a bold step. Anandibai adopted this difficult path with all her hard work and dedication.

She kept facing every difficulty that came her way. It was not an easy thing for an Indian woman to get an education in medicine in a Western country. But Anandibai overcame all obstacles with her determination and her devotion to her education. Finally, in 1886 Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi received her degree in medicine from Pennsylvania Medical College and became the first female doctor in India.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi: Contribution to Medicine

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi created a new path for women in Indian society. She used her education in the field of medicine and paid special attention to the health of women and children. After returning to her country, she did many works to improve the health of Indian women, especially prenatal and postnatal care.

After returning to India, Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi provided medical services in Mumbai and tried to spread awareness for women’s health. She often visited rural areas to give information to women about hygiene, health, and good eating. She provided health services for pregnant women and took many initiatives to improve the social status of women.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi: Contribution to society

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi not only impressed society with her achievements in the medical field, but she was also active in favor of women’s rights and their education. She showed in Indian society that women are no less than men in any field. Her works opened new paths for women in Indian society. Anandibai proved that women should get an education and they have the right to make their mark in society. Her life is a symbol of the fact that if a woman gets the right guidance and opportunity, she can do any difficult task successfully.

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi: Death

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi’s life was very short. She left this world at the age of only 22. In 1887, shortly after receiving medical education, she ended her life journey due to TB (tuberculosis). Her death was a great loss, but the legacy left by her and her struggle are still remembered.

Conclusion

Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi’s life is an inspiration. She showed a new direction for women in Indian society. She showed that if a woman is determined to achieve her goal, then no power can stop her. Her contribution was not only in the medical field, but she was also an important personality for improving the status of women in society.

Even today we remember her as the first female doctor of Indian society. Her life teaches us that any work is possible with education, struggle, and dedication. We will always be indebted to her for her contribution.