Inspiring Life Story Of Dr Anandibai Joshi

One of the most inspiring life stories is that of Dr Anandi Gopal Joshi, who was born in 1865 in a small village called Kalyan and chose to become a doctor of western medicine as she always liked to help people. She was the first woman doctor in India and one of India's top historical female icons.

In her first year at the medical school for women in Bombay (now Mumbai), she felt like there was no hope for her and so stopped studying, but her parents loved education and encouraged her to study hard.

She shifted back to studies after nine months and graduated with a two-year degree in Western medicine from John Hopkins University Medical School.

Her Early Life and Family Background

Anandibai Joshi was born in 1865 in Kalyan, a small town in Bombay district, British India. Her parents were Gopalrao Joshi and Ganga bai and she was the eldest of their eight children (four brothers and three sisters).

Her father was a farmer and educated his children at home till the age of seven. He then arranged for them to attend the local school. Anandi Gopal Joshi studied in an English medium school, where she excelled in her studies.

Her Education

Anandi Gopal Joshi had a brilliant academic career at home and abroad. She received her Bachelor's Degree in English from the Kalyan Girls' College, Bombay in 1883. In 1883 she went to England to study medicine and graduated as a doctor of medicine (MRCS) in 1885.

As an Indian woman, it was very difficult for her to get admission into a medical college for women. She was finally admitted into the Medical College for Women which was at the time found to be more progressive than those for men.

She pursued a dual degree in Medicine and Surgery from London University (MRCS LRCP) in 1886 and graduated from MRCS, LRCP with honours.

Her Stint in the United States

After she graduated from medical college, she went to the United States to study for a year. She was awarded a Gold Medal for her studies and was ranked third among all women graduates at that time.

The year 1885 marked an important phase of her career, as she came in contact with Dr Ida Blomfield, who inspired her to work in India.

She worked as an intern at St Luke's Hospital, Chicago and simultaneously attended a course on tropical medicine at the University of Chicago.

In the spring of 1891, she met scholars from around the world in Washington D.C., who were attending an international conference on Woman's Work for Women's Rights.

Her Return to India

After returning to India, Dr Anandibai Joshi joined the civil hospital in Pune in 1882 as a medical officer. She served there for a few months but was compelled to leave on account of her illness.

However, her hard work and sincerity got noticed by the British Indian Government who offered her a job as a medical officer at their dispensary in Belgaum.

She married Gopalrao Joshi on 17 November 1887. Dr Anandi Gopal Joshi worked for some years in Central Province, after which she was appointed as an assistant surgeon at King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women in Bombay (Mumbai).

Her zeal to study Medicine

Dr Anandibai Joshi was a great believer in the importance of women's education. She joined the Indian Medical Service (IMS) as a surgeon on 21 December 1885 and worked in Central Provinces (now Madhya Pradesh).

During her time at the IMS, she studied medicine privately. In 1886, she successfully passed her examination as a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Bombay and received her formal recognition to practice western medicine.

In 1885, she enrolled herself in a Gynecology course organized by Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. She earned a Gold Medal for graduating from the course.

Her Legacy

Dr Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi has been credited for her significant contribution to the field of Medicine and Life. She was the first woman in Indian history to become a physician to practise western medicine in India. She was also the first woman surgeon and the first examiner, proctor and registrar in Bombay at that time.

Her vision of working towards the social upliftment of women has helped many women gain confidence in public life. Her service to society was not only limited to her work but also her consistent contribution to the socio-cultural development of women.

She made a provision in her will that her house should be converted into a Trust and the proceeds from the rents shall be utilised for medical relief in Kalyan. She was a strong supporter of widow remarriage and women's emancipation.

Her tenure as the chief medical officer of Bombay Municipal Corporation's Department of Health was very significant, as she strived hard to improve sanitation facilities in the city and eradicate the practice of untouchability in society.

She was an active participant at the International Council of Women, where she addressed issues concerning women's education and health care.

How She Is An Inspiration For Every Young Girl

Dr Anandibai Joshi proved that with vision, determination and hard work, every young girl can achieve her goals. Although there were many hurdles in her way, she overcame them all.

She had to fight against the norms of society and even against people who believed strongly that women should not be educated. Her determined attitude is an inspiration to every young girl who feels that there are restrictions on what she can achieve.

She was inspired to study medicine by Dr Ida P. Blomfield and Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, both of whom offered her support to continue with her studies and practical training. She started a clinic in Bombay for poor women who could not afford proper medical care.

She was invited by the Government of India to be the first woman to examine applicants for medical courses in several cities throughout India.

Conclusion

Dr Anandibai Joshi was a pioneering woman in India who took the first step toward acquiring education for women. She dedicated her life to achieving her goals and eventually changed the lives of many women in India. Her conviction to dedicate herself to society and being involved in the socio-cultural development of women is an example for all young girls.

FAQs

What is her date of birth?

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, she was born on 26 December 1859. But according to the website 'Women In World History', she was born on 26 December 1867. Which is correct?

Why did she change her name from Gopalrao to Anandibai?

Her father's name was Gopalrao Bhandare. Her mother's name was Ramabai. She changed her surname from Bhandare to Joshi after marriage, as per Indian customs and traditions at that time.