D is for Doctor and Daughter

There was a time when women were not allowed to receive education. This did not happen only in India, but the scenario was quite similar around the world. The time changed gradually but at a slow pace.  Some women did get education, but then there was a long way to go.

Doctor is another profession which requires great dedication and time during and after the studies. There came a ray of hope during 19^th century in the form of WMCP (Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania)-The first women medical college in world way back in 1850.

Coming to India, when we go to a hospital or clinic, a lady doctor or nurse is ready to examine us. But the fact was not so simple during 19^th century. The ever conservative culture prevented many women to go to doctors because they would shy away from being touched by another man.

The history started new turn as Anandibai was born to an orthodox family in Maharashtra. Like any normal girl at that time, she was married at the tender age of 9 years to a 20 year old man named Gopalrao Joshi. The future had something else in store for her. Gopalrao, her husband surprisingly believed in education and took her education upon him. Being a child herself, Anandibai gave birth to a boy who survived only ten days due to lack of medical facilities. Thus she was inspired to become a physician herself.

Image source

Image Source

With the help of her husband Gopalrao and her strong determination, she was admitted to the medical program at WMCP. Despite of her inability to cope with climate changes and contraction of tuberculosis, she completed her studies and graduated as a MD on 11 March 1886.

She soon returned to India and was truly acknowledged for her efforts. Thus, she became the first ever Indian Woman to obtain a degree in western medicine. She could not complete her dream of practise as she died very next year on 26 Feb 1987.

Image Source

While I close this post, there is one more name which cannot be missed - Kadambini Ganguly. I found several links which said she was the India’s first lady doctor. Various records state that she was among the first two female graduates from India and the entire British Empire in 1986.

I consider both of them as the true “Daughter of India” who opened the gate to all aspiring and much needed girls in the field of medicine. The smart, polite and highly qualified ladies we lend ourselves safely to could not have been there or would be still struggling if Anandibai and Kadambini Ganguly did not dare to dream.

Information sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadambini_Ganguly

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anandi_Gopal_Joshi

This post is written as a part of April 2015 A to Z Challenge. My theme for this year is Women In A to Z Professions. Click at the link to check other professions women have excelled in and their respective links.