Droupadi Murmu extends 100th birthday wishes to Dr K Lakshmi Bai

Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu today extended birthday wishes to Dr K Lakshmi Bai who turned 100 today and highly appreciated her for donating all her savings to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Lakshmi Bai, a retired gynecologist from Berhampur made the headlines after she announced to donate her entire life savings of Rs 3.4 crore for a noble cause of starting a gynaecological oncology course at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Born in 1926, she was among the first MBBS batch of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, later earning her MD and even an MPH from Johns Hopkins. She retired as Professor in 1986 after serving for more than 50 years at different places of the state.

As per her earlier announcement, Dr Lakshmi Bai made the donation at AIIMS Bhubaneswar today on the occasion of her centenary birthday.

Meanwhile, the President of India today greeted her after learning about Lakshmi Bai’s noble deed and said that this is a very significant step towards women’s empowerment. “I deeply appreciate your thoughtful gesture,” the President said.

Read the full letter of President Droupadi Murmu to Dr K Lakshmi Bai

Dr K Lakshmi Bai Ji,

I wish you on your 100th birthday! May you be blessed with good health and a peaceful life.

I came to know that recently you have donated substantially from your savings for a noble cause of starting a gynaecological oncology course at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. This is a very significant step towards women’s empowerment, and I deeply appreciate your thoughtful gesture. Governments are working to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all. I am confident that the participation of generous citizens like you will inspire others to come forward and support the government’s initiatives.

I understand that you have always worked for the empowerment of girls and women during about four decades long career. Your life is a shining example of how education can benefit an individual and who in turn can bring positive changes in the society.

I wish you a very happy and prosperous life.

(Droupadi Murmu)