Sulagitti Narasamma Biography 
Sulagitti Narasamma was a social worker from Krishnapura, Pavagada, Karnataka. A midwife who performed more than 15,000 traditional deliveries in remote and rural areas of Karnataka, free of charge over a 70-year period of service, government of India honoured her with civilian award, Padma Shri most recently in 2018 for her outstanding services in places which lacked medical services. She passed away on Christmas day of 2018 at the age of 98. She is also a recipient of honours such as National Citizen's award (2013), Honorary doctorate (2014) etc.
Sulagitti Narasamma was born in Krishnapura, Pavagada taluk in Tumkur district in year 1920. She belonged to a Telugu speaking family in rural side. She had no educational background and spent a nomadic life during her younger days. She got married at a very young of 12 and gave birth to 12 children in total. She lost 4 sons out of them. She started her career as a midwife’s assistant at the age of 20. She helped with the delivery of her aunt's baby in her first assignment.
She learnt the skills of a midwife from her grandmother who was very much experienced in this field. Whenever nomadic tribes arrived at her village, Narasamma got opportunity to work as a midwife. She also learned the art of preparing natural medicine for pregnant women. Later she turned experienced enough to check the health and position of the baby.
After handing over 15K deliveries in the remote areas of Karnataka she earned the name, 'the go-to midwife of Krishnapura’. In 2014 she was given an honorary doctorate from Tumkur University. After she received Padma Shri in 2018, her popularity reached national boundaries. She was presented the honour at New Delhi on March 20, 2018 by President of India.
Published: December 25, 2018
Updated: December 25, 2018
