Let’s hear the inspiring journey of Anandibai Joshi (India’s First Female Doctor). It was 1865, when a girl named Yamuna was born into a humble family in Pune, Maharashtra. At that time, no one could have imagined that this girl would one day leave an indelible mark on Indian history. At that time, education for girls was almost nonexistent, and early marriages were common. Yamuna was married at just nine years old to Gopalrao Joshi, who was nearly 20 years her senior. After marriage, she was named Anandibai Joshi.
Anandibai gave birth to a son at the age of 14, but this joy was short-lived. Reportedly, her newborn son died just 10 days after birth. At that time, there were no female doctors in the village, nor was there a medical system capable of caring for a mother and child. The pain of losing her child was forever etched in Anandibai’s heart. This event shaped her life. She resolved to become a doctor so that no other mother would have to endure this pain.
Becoming a doctor was not easy at that time. Society believed that girls did not need to study. When Anandibai began her studies, she faced taunts and insults. However, her husband, Gopalrao Joshi, remained unwavering and encouraged her to pursue her studies. This decision was revolutionary at the time. Her financial situation was also poor, and it is said that Anandibai even sold her jewelry to fund her studies.
Eventually, she enrolled at the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in the United States. Despite the new language, culture, and health challenges, she persisted and earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the age of 19. Thus, she became India’s first female doctor. This was not just a personal victory, but a victory for all girls considered inferior by society.
Upon returning to India, Anandibai took charge of treating women at the Albert Edward Hospital in Kolhapur. However, she passed away at the age of 21 due to persistent ill health. But the work she accomplished in her short life will be remembered for centuries. Today, millions of women doctors serve patients in India, and Anandibai laid the first brick of this journey.