On Day 4 of the Sharadiya Navaratri, we invoke Kushmanda – the goddess from the radiant smile of whom the universe was conjured. The Devi’s spirit is embodied by Dr Kadambini Ganguly, one of the first female physicians of India

By Sreejit Datta, Assistant Professor, Director of Civilisational Studies Practice & Resident Mentor at Rashtram.

On Day 4 of the Sharadiya Navaratri, we invoke and worship goddess Kushmanda. Kushmanda – the goddess from the radiant smile of whom the universe was conjured, has the command over the health and wellness of all earthly beings.

The Devi’s spirit is embodied by Dr Kadambini Ganguly – one of the first female physicians of India. Although a most meritorious student, Kadambini found access to higher education barred at many stages of her career as educational institutes in India were still not acquainted with the admission of female students. Nevertheless, with immense willpower and unflinching support from her husband Dwarakanath Ganguly, she travelled to England to sit for triple diploma courses in medical sciences at the Scottish College, Edinburgh. Dauntless in her pursuit, she broke with conventions of the time by parting with her family in order to fulfil her calling. Coming back from England, she dedicated her life to the cure of the weak and the ailing. She successfully treated Nepal’s Queen Mother of her ailments, attending her from 1895-96; assumed the post of a senior doctor at Lady Dufferin Hospital, and also maintained a flourishing private practice. Dr Kadambini Ganguly performed the dharma of a life-giver as long as she lived and thus lived the spirit of the Devi Kushmanda.