Womens Day Special- India's First Female Physician Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi

Dr Anandibai Joshi is the first Indian female physician. The Venus crater named as Joshee is a tribute to Anandi Gopal Joshi. Born on 31 March 1865 in Kalyan, Maharashtra, Anandibai was married at the age of nine to Gopalrao Joshi who was twenty years senior to her. He also helped her receive education in medicine.

In America, Anandi was advised to apply in Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. The society in India censured her knowing that she will pursue the studies further. Many people supported her decision in America but wanted her to convert to Christianity.

Anandibai addressed the community and explained her desire to go to America and obtain a medical degree. She stressed on the need of Hindu female doctors in India and talked about the goal of opening a medical college for women in India. She also pledged that she would not convert to another religion.

Anandibai came back to India in 1886 and the princely state of Kolhapur, Maharashtra appointed her as the physician in charge of the female ward at Albert Edward Hospital.

Anandibai passed away on 26 February 1887 before she could turn 22. The whole country mourned her death, and her ashes were sent to Theodocia Carpenter who placed it in the family cemetery in Poughkeepsie, New York.

She lived a mere 21 years but achieved more than most of us do in our entire lifetimes. A crater on Venus is now named in her honour. The 34.3 km-diameter crater on Venus named ‘Joshee’ lies at latitude 5.5° N and longitude 288.8° E.