Recently, the birth anniversary of Dr. Kadambini Ganguly was celebrated.
About Kadambini Ganguly:
- Kadambini Ganguly (1861 – 1923) was a trailblazing figure in the field of medicine and women’s rights in India.
- Born in Bhagalpur, Bihar, she was the first woman from Calcutta University to receive a BA degree and later became the first Indian-educated female doctor.
- She holds the distinction of being the first female practitioner of Western medicine not only in India but across South Asia.
- In 1884, Ganguly became the first woman to be accepted into Calcutta Medical College, and after completing her medical training in Scotland, she established a successful medical practice in India.
- Her achievements marked significant progress in the struggle for women’s rights in the country.
Key Contributions:
- Kadambini Ganguly was a prominent figure in many socio-political arenas.
- She was a member of the Brahmo Samaj, a reformative movement aiming to modernize Indian socio-religious thought.
- Her influence extended to political spheres where she became the first female speaker at the Indian National Congress in 1889 and was one of six representatives in the first female delegation.
- Her advocacy was not limited to medicine and politics; she was deeply involved in women’s issues.
- Alongside Kamini Roy, she worked on a government committee to investigate the conditions of women miners in Bihar and Orissa, and her efforts were instrumental in the enactment of India’s first Age of Consent Act in 1891.
- She was also pivotal in the organization of the Women’s Conference in Calcutta following the partition of Bengal in 1906.
- Additionally, her impact on education was profound, as evidenced by her lectures at Calcutta Medical College, which led to the admission of women candidates.
- She was praised by Annie Besant in her book “How India Wrought For Freedom,” where Besant highlighted Ganguly as a symbol of the elevation of Indian womanhood during the country’s struggle for independence.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where was Kadambini Ganguly born?
Kadambini Ganguly was born in 1861 in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India.
What was her educational achievement at Calcutta University?
She was the first woman from Calcutta University to receive a BA degree.
In which field did Kadambini Ganguly make history?
She was the first Indian-educated female doctor, pioneering in Western medicine.
What milestone did Ganguly achieve at Calcutta Medical College?
She became the first woman to be accepted into Calcutta Medical College in 1884.
What socio-political movements was Kadambini Ganguly associated with?
She was a member of the reformative Brahmo Samaj and influenced political spheres.