Odisha CM Majhi praises 100-year-old K. Lakshmi Bai for her selfless contribution to healthcare
Bhubaneswar, Dec 7
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Sunday, lauded the generous gesture of centenarian doctor K. Lakshmi Bai from Berhampur, who donated her lifetime savings to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on the occasion of her 100th birthday for oncology research.
CM Majhi called her donation an inspiring act of strong humanitarian values and devotion towards public service.
Taking to his official X account, the Chief Minister wrote, "I got to know about K. Lakshmi Bai Ji's extraordinary gesture on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Donating her personal savings to establish a gynaecological oncology course at AIIMS Bhubaneswar is an inspiring act of deep compassion and public service."
He also noted that her decades-long medical service is an inspiration for all.
"A true torch-bearer of dignity, care, and women's empowerment, her decades of dedicated medical service continue to inspire generations. People like her strengthen our collective resolve to build a healthier, more empowered society," CM Majhi said.
He emphasised that the state government remains committed to advancing quality healthcare for all.
"Odisha takes immense pride in her remarkable life and her selfless devotion to humanity. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless her with good health, strength, and peace," CM Majhi noted.
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist K. Lakshmi Bai, on the occasion of her centenary birthday on Friday, donated Rs 3.4 crore of her self-earned savings to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the national institute.
Her noble gesture quickly made headlines in Odisha, earning her widespread praise from all sections of society.
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday also extolled the magnanimous act by the centenarian doctor K. Lakshmi Bai was a student of the first-ever batch of Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack admitted in 1945.
She completed her MBBS in 1950 and began her career as a government doctor in Sundargarh.
She later served as a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Burla Medical College, Cuttack Medical College, and Berhampur Medical College, from where she eventually retired.
She is reportedly the first woman doctor to learn laparoscopic surgery in Odisha.
K. Lakshmi Bai also pursued several higher studies in women's health in the US.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is the kind of news that restores faith in humanity. A true karma yogi. Her dedication from the 1950s till now is astounding. The government should ensure every rupee is used transparently for the oncology research as she intended.
As someone working in public health, I'm in awe. She was a pioneer – first woman in Odisha to learn laparoscopic surgery! Her story highlights the critical, often overlooked, role of women doctors in building our healthcare infrastructure. A giant.
Respectfully, while the CM's praise is good, the government's commitment should go beyond words. How many such dedicated doctors have proper pensions or support in old age? We must build a system where such sacrifice isn't the only path for progress.
She studied in the first batch of SCB Medical College in 1945! Imagine the challenges she must have faced. To then go to the US for higher studies and return to serve in Odisha's medical colleges... True dedication. Her life is a lesson for today's youth.
ॠशांति। May Mahaprabhu Jagannath bless her with health. This is real "Nari Shakti". Donating 3.4 crore for gynaecological oncology will help countless mothers and daughters. This story made my day.
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