Mumbai, March 31: Anandi Gopal Joshi, India’s first female doctor, was born on March 31, 1865, and this year, it will be her 153rd birth anniversary. Search-engine giant Google, in its latest doodle, has paid rich tributes to the lady on her birthday. Not many know that Anandibai is believed to be the first Indian woman to set foot in the United States of America (USA), too.

Not many people in India are married at age of 9; unfortunately, Anandibai was! Not only that, she was married off to a person who was almost thrice her age. At the time when education for a woman was considered a taboo, she was the first Indian woman to graduate with a Diploma in Medicine in the USA!

The name of 'Anandi' which was given to her, by her husband Gopalrao Joshi. Earlier, she was known as 'Yamuna'. Born in a family of landlords, Anandibai Joshi was a Brahmin. Her husband was a supportive person and he ensured that she could receive a proper education, after noticing her interest in learning English.

At the age of 14, Anandibai Gopal Joshi gave birth to a boy. However, the happiness short-lived as his son died soon, in only 10 days after his birth. What was the reason? Inefficient medical care! This incident became a turning point in Anandi’s life and the rest, as they say, is history!

Initially, Anandibai was reluctant to pursue studies, owing to her declining health. However, it was her husband who convinced her to set an example for the women in the country, by pursuing higher education.

Anandibai began her medical studies at the age of 19. She had a tough time acclimatizing to cold weather and unfamiliar diet in the US. She fell ill and contracted tuberculosis. However, her resolve to pursue higher studies didn’t bog her down as she graduated with an MD degree in the year 1886.

In the same year, she returned India to a rousing welcome. The then princely state of Kolhapur (in Maharashtra now) appointed her as a doctor in the Albert Edward Hospital.

Anandibai Joshi died at an early age of 21 succumbing to Tuberculosis. Unfortunately, the inspiring figure breathed her last on February 26, 1887.

However, her resolve, courage, and willingness to pursue higher studies opened the otherwise closed doors of education of women in the country. The latest Google doodle featuring Anandibai Gopal Joshi is a fitting tribute to India’s first female doctor. We wish her soul peace on the occasion of her 153rd birth anniversary!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 31, 2018 01:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).