Anandi Gopal Joshi Biography 
Anandi Gopal Joshi, also known as Anandibai Joshi was the first Indian woman to obtain a degree in Western medicine, alongside Kadambini Ganguly in the year 1886. She was also the first Hindu woman to do so and is also believed to be the first Hindu woman to set foot on American soil. But unfortunately she died one year later at a young age of just 21!
Her real name was Yamuna and she was born on 31 March 1865 in an orthodox wealthy Brahmin family of Pune. At the age of 9, she was married to a widower 20 years senior to her. After the marriage, her husband, Gopalrao Joshi renamed Yamuna to Anandi. He was a postal clerk in Kalyan. After a couple of transfers, the couple reached Kolkata. He was a progressive thinker, and supported the education of women. Though traditionally Brahmins learn Sanskrit in those days, Joshi was interested in English than traditional Sanskrit language. He was influenced by Lokhitawadi's Shat Patre. Gradually, Anandi too was attracted to English and noticing it, Joshi taught her.
She gave birth to a kid at the age of 14. But the child died after 10 years due to non-availability of proper treatment. This heart breaking incident prompted young Anandi to study medicine. She got encouragement from her husband as well. In 1880, he sent a letter to Royal Wilder, a well-known American missionary, stating Anandi’s interest in studying medicine in US. He also inquired about a suitable post in the U.S. for himself. The missionary was willing to help, but with one condition that the couple should convert to Christianity that was not at all acceptable to both.
But later, Theodicia Carpenter, a resident of Roselle, New Jersey came forward with help. But Anandi’s health started deteriorating at this time. In 1883, Gopalrao was transferred to Serampore and thus Anandi sailed alone to US. Yet she had to face opposition from American society there, as everyone wanted her to get converted to Christian. She addressed the community at Serampore College Hall, giving reasons why she has chosen this career and she emphasized on the need of Hindu woman doctor in India. She talked about her goal of opening a medical college for women in India.
She got support financially from all over India and she returned to India in 1886 after completion of course. She was given a heroic welcome by her motherland. The princely state of Kolhapur appointed her as the physician-in-charge of the female ward of the local Albert Edward Hospital. But she died early next year on February 26, 1887 at a younger age of just 21.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 10, 2014
