Home / Health / From Fruit Seller to Padma Shri: A Surgeon's Triumph
From Fruit Seller to Padma Shri: A Surgeon's Triumph
1 Sep
Summary
- Deshmane sold fruits and vegetables to support her family's struggles.
- She overcame financial hardship and academic failure to become a doctor.
- Awarded Padma Shri for her pioneering work in surgical oncology.
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane's remarkable path to becoming a pioneering surgical oncologist began amidst humble beginnings, assisting her mother with a fruit and vegetable stall. Financial struggles, a language barrier, and an early academic failure nearly derailed her dream of becoming a doctor.
However, Deshmane returned to her studies, driven by her father's early encouragement and her sister's support. She completed her medical degrees and trained in surgical oncology, facing initial resistance as a woman in the field. She eventually became the first woman professor at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru.
Her significant work focused on breast cancer, leading research projects and improving treatment practices. Personal loss, including her mother and sister succumbing to cancer, fueled her commitment to awareness, early detection, and research. She retired in 2015 but continued her service through cancer awareness initiatives.
In 2025, the Government of India honored Dr. Deshmane with the Padma Shri for her significant contributions to oncology and breast-cancer research. Her life story exemplifies overcoming adversity and dedicating a lifetime to making healthcare more accessible for others.
