We often get to hear complaints on mounting consultation fees of doctors. In fact, most of us question the medical world for transforming into a “industry”, where the wellness of patients has become the least priority and annual profits have taken centre stage. But there are always some exceptions, and here is one. This story is of a woman whose life has seen phases right from staying in a slum and selling vegetables to becoming a surgeon and cancer expert. She remained unmarried and went on to become the Head of Department, Oncology and Director in the prestigious Kidwai Hospital, Bangalore. Presenting to you all one of India’s most reputed Oncologists, Vice President of Karnataka Cancer Society, and a recipient of many awards, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane. [Do Read Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane Biography]
Deshmane: A Unique Surname
I come from one of most backward castes that is supposed to be stitching not the new footwear, instead the used ones. My father Baburao was influenced by the freedom movement and believed in the empowerment of all. Though he was formally not educated, he broke caste professional barrier and learnt letters on his own- Kannada, Marathi, Hindi and English. I was born in 1955, followed by a brother and 6 sisters. We were 10 of us at the slum house, which belonged to my Dad’s sister.
Getting a single meal per day was a challenge and affording basic amenities was a dream. My parents did odd jobs like being a coolie, cutting, fetching, and selling wood. Later on, my dad joined a mill and rose in ranks- thanks to his ability to connect with people. They fondly started calling him Deshmanya and he replaced his caste surname with it. I was named after Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, sister of Pandit Nehru and the first woman to become the President of the UN General Assembly, followed by a “Deshmane” surname- Deshmanya’s daughter!
Moonless Night Paves Way for Medicine
My father had a dream of getting me into medicine and to serve the poorest of the poor. Having such dreams while still in the slums itself is surprising and sending a slum girl to school shows the vision my father had for us. Meanwhile, my mother set up a small vegetable shop, meaning she would buy vegetables wholesale and try to make mere profits for running daily lives. My brother and I used to carry those vegetable on our heads to help our mother. I excelled in my studies and I had sensed the end of my education when I cleared my 12th exams, because I was convinced that my parents won’t be able to fund my studies anymore. The education of my siblings also had to be taken care of.
I remember that moonless night when my mother gave away her only ornament, her mangal sutra, to my father so that he could take a loan for my MBBS entrance at KMC Hubli. I am what I am today because of the sacrifices made by my parents and siblings. Can I ever pay them back??? I don’t think so!
We could see tears welling up in Dr. Vijayalakshmi’s eyes. We were speechless.
First Year of MBBS Failed
Until then, I had studied in Kannada and the medium for medicine was English. I didn’t have the luxury to even get an apron stitched. I borrowed an old one from a lab assistant. Later on, a senior of mine gave away his stipend so that I could get my own. Throughout my career, I have been very lucky to have got guidance, support, and love from my peers and patients.
I failed my first year since I faced trouble facing exams in English, although I understood the lectures. Thanks to my professors, I picked it up in the 2nd year and then there was no stopping. I went on to become the first rank holder of my university. When this news was out, there were celebrations at my home when the roof was literally about to fall!
I went on to pursue MS in surgery and started earning when I joined Kidwai Institute of Oncology as a senior resident of Surgical Oncology. I specialised in the treatment of breast cancer. Meanwhile, my brother, Ajay Ghosh (again, named after famous Bengali freedom fighter}, finished his LLB and started working. Time had finally arrived to replace the roof of our home!
Being Just the Reason
I love my profession and believe in constant learning. I bought photocopying machine to constantly update and maintain a database of knowledge. I kept interacting and building a strong bond with my patients. Whenever I operate, I put all the weight on God and seek His intervention for the success. I feel I am just the “nimitta” (reason) here. I’ve been shaped by my Gurus, raised by my peers, loved by my patients, and it is His willing that I am in this profession that saves and serves the society.
I have had a long career and I retired in 2015. But I think my work is half done. I have been a part of numerous social drives, reach outs, awareness camps, research works, and education programs in villages. I will continue to do so dedicating 15 days in a month to these activities. Rest 15 days I would be providing free service and be available in Karnataka Cancer Society.
Our ancient scriptures have portrayed doctors as God, stating “Vaidhyo Narayano Hari”. For the first time we witnessed why this saying was right. A flower that blossomed in the dirt of slum has given so much to our society and still has so much to offer. Also, having to keep the story as short as possible, we have skipped an interesting narration of how Dr. Vijayalakshmi’s sisters succeeded, with 4 of them getting their PhDs, and excelling in their field of choice. We wish Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane and her siblings the best of health and hope that their lives will inspire and guide many of us.