Born: July 18, 1861 (Bhagalpur, Bengal Presidency, modern-day Bihar, India)
Died: October 3, 1923
Biography:
Kadambini Ganguly, born as Kadambini Basu, was a pioneering woman medical doctor in India who became one of the first to practice modern medicine. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to practice medicine in her home country. Kadambini’s remarkable journey started as she became the first woman to gain admission to Calcutta Medical College in 1884. She then went on to receive further training in Scotland and established a successful medical practice in India. Kadambini’s contributions extended beyond the field of medicine, as she also played an active role in politics. Notably, she became the first woman speaker in the Indian National Congress.
Kadambini was born on July 18, 1861, in Bhagalpur, Bengal Presidency, which is now in modern-day Bihar, India. She belonged to a Bengali Kayastha family and was the daughter of Brahmo reformer Braja Kishore Basu. Raised in Barisal, her family originated from Chandsi, which is currently situated in Bangladesh. Kadambini’s father, who served as the headmaster of Bhagalpur School, was a prominent advocate for women’s emancipation. In fact, he co-founded the first women’s organization, Bhagalpur Mahila Samiti, in 1863.
Despite belonging to an upper-caste Bengali community that did not traditionally support women’s education, Kadambini managed to receive an English education. She first attended the Brahmo Eden Female School in Dacca and later studied at the Hindu Mahila Vidyalaya in Ballygunj Calcutta, which was later renamed Banga Mahila Vidyalaya. In 1878, the school merged with Bethune School, established by renowned educationist Bethune, and Kadambini became the first woman to pass the University of Calcutta entrance examination. She further cleared the FA exam in 1880. Kadambini’s efforts and achievements played a significant role in the introduction of FA and graduation courses at Bethune College in 1883. Along with Chandramukhi Basu, Kadambini became the first female graduates in the country, carving a path for future generations of women.
On June 12, 1883, just 11 days before joining Calcutta Medical College, Kadambini married Dwarakanath Ganguly. Despite dedicating considerable time to her household affairs as the mother of eight children, Kadambini continued her medical practice and pursued her passion for women’s empowerment. She possessed exceptional skills in needlework and managed to balance her family life with her professional pursuits.
Kadambini Ganguly’s relationship with her husband Dwarkanath Ganguly was a unique and exemplary one. American historian David Kopf describes her as the most accomplished and liberated Brahmo woman of her time. Their marriage was founded on mutual love, sensitivity, and intelligence. Kopf argues that Kadambini’s ability to rise above societal constraints and fulfill her potential made her an inspiration for the Sadharan Brahmos, who were dedicated to the liberation of Bengal’s women.
Kadambini Ganguly passed away on October 3, 1923, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and trailblazing achievements. Her contributions to medicine, women’s education, and the women’s rights movement in India continue to inspire generations of women to strive for their dreams and break through the barriers that society imposes.