On the 26th of February Nitin Gadkari Pays Homage to the first Indian woman doctor, Dr. Anandibai Joshi on Her memorial day.
Dr. Anandibai Joshi was the first Indian woman to receive a degree in Western medicine in the United States. She was a pioneering figure in the field of women’s education and healthcare in India, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of women in the country.
Dr. Anandibai Joshi was born on March 31, 1865, in Kalyan, Maharashtra, India. She was married at the age of nine to Gopalrao Joshi, a widower who was twenty years her senior. Despite her early marriage and societal expectations, Anandibai was determined to pursue her education and become a physician.
In 1883, Anandibai’s husband encouraged her to apply to the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, the first medical school in the world to train women in medicine. After a rigorous admission process, Anandibai was accepted into the college and traveled to the United States with her husband.
Anandibai’s time in the United States was not without challenges. She faced discrimination and racism from her classmates and the broader society. However, she persevered and graduated with an MD degree in 1886, becoming the first Indian woman to earn a degree in Western medicine.
After returning to India, Dr. Anandibai Joshi worked tirelessly to improve the healthcare conditions of women in the country. She started a clinic in her home in Pune and treated women who were previously unable to access medical care due to societal restrictions.
In addition to her medical practice, Anandibai also advocated for women’s education and empowerment. She wrote articles in Marathi and English newspapers, encouraging women to pursue education and challenging societal norms that restricted their opportunities.
Anandibai’s legacy continues to inspire generations of women in India. Her pioneering work in the field of women’s healthcare and education paved the way for future generations of women to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.
