Anandi Gopal Joshi’s remarkable journey began with a tragic event at the tender age of 14 when she experienced the loss of her first child due to a lack of medical care. This heartbreaking event deeply affected her and ignited a passionate desire within her to pursue medicine. Born into a family of landlords, she was married off to Gopalrao Joshi at the age of nine, a progressive man who believed in the importance of women’s education.
Despite the prevailing norms of the time, Gopalrao Joshi went against the grain and supported his wife’s educational aspirations. Recognizing her potential and determination, he enrolled Anandi in a missionary school after their marriage. Their journey together led them to Calcutta, where Anandi continued her education, immersing herself in studies while mastering languages such as Sanskrit and Hindi.
Gopalrao Joshi’s unwavering support for his wife’s education was extraordinary for its time. He envisioned a future where Anandi would break barriers and excel in the field of medicine. In 1880, he took a pivotal step by writing a letter to Royal Wilder, a respected American missionary, expressing Anandi’s keen interest in pursuing medical studies. The letter caught the attention of Theodicia Carpenter, a resident of New Jersey, who was deeply impressed by Anandi’s determination and potential.
Anandi’s journey towards becoming a physician faced numerous challenges, including her declining health. Yet, she remained steadfast in her determination to fulfill her dream and make a difference in her community. Despite battling symptoms of fatigue and weakness, she was urged by her husband to embark on her journey to the United States, where she could pave the way for future generations of Indian women.
At the age of 17, Anandi bravely enrolled in the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, determined to overcome any obstacles in her path. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she graduated in 1886 with a degree in Medicine (MD). Her thesis, ‘Obstetrics among the Aryan Hindoos,’ showcased her deep understanding of both Ayurvedic texts and Western medical knowledge.
Returning to India in 1886 as Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi, she was greeted with a warm welcome and high expectations from her community. Appointed as the physician in charge of the female ward at the local Albert Edward Hospital, Anandi was poised to make a significant impact in the field of medicine. However, her promising career was cut short when she was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a disease she had been fighting against since her youth. Tragically, Anandi passed away at the age of 22, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and groundbreaking achievement.
Anandi’s story continued to inspire generations long after her untimely death. American feminist Caroline Wells Healey Dall immortalized her achievements in a biography published in 1888, ensuring that her legacy would endure. In addition, her life story was brought to a wider audience through a television series titled ‘Anandi Gopa,’ which captivated viewers with the remarkable tale of Anandi and Gopal’s extraordinary journey.
