In the bustling city of Kalaburagi, Karnataka, a story of extraordinary resilience and compassion has unfolded, earning national recognition with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2025. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, a 70-year-old oncologist, has risen from selling vegetables in a slum at the age of 10 to becoming one of India’s most revered cancer surgeons. Her journey, marked by unwavering determination and a commitment to saving lives, has not only transformed cancer care in India but also inspired countless young girls to pursue their dreams, no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem.
A Childhood Forged in Hardship
Born in 1955 into a Madiga family in a slum in Kalaburagi, Vijayalakshmi Deshmane grew up as one of eight children in a household grappling with poverty. Her father, Babu Rao Deshmane, a freedom fighter and laborer at MSK Mill, and her mother, Ratnamma, a roadside vegetable vendor, instilled in their children a belief in education as a pathway to a better life. At the tender age of 10, Vijayalakshmi joined her mother, selling vegetables door-to-door in the Gazwala area to help sustain the family. Despite the grueling demands of survival, her parents’ dream for her education remained steadfast.
Vijayalakshmi’s early education began at Chakkargatta School in Bengaluru, where she studied up to the seventh standard in the Kannada medium. Her mother, in a heart-wrenching act of sacrifice, sold her mangalsutra to fund Vijayalakshmi’s schooling. This act of love propelled her to Gangambika High School and later to pursue an MBBS at Karnataka Medical College (KMC). She went on to complete her MS in Surgery from Bellary Medical College in 1984, a remarkable feat for a girl from a marginalized community in a time of limited opportunities.
A Trailblazer in Oncology
Dr. Deshmane’s career took a defining turn when she joined Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru as a junior resident doctor. Her dedication to cancer care, particularly in breast cancer treatment, quickly distinguished her as a skilled surgeon and compassionate healer. Rising through the ranks, she served as the Director of Kidwai Memorial Institute until her retirement in 2015, leaving an indelible mark on oncology in India. Her expertise has saved thousands of lives, earning her a reputation as one of the country’s most sought-after oncologists.
Even after retirement, Dr. Deshmane’s mission continued. She has devoted herself to spreading cancer awareness in rural Karnataka, where access to healthcare remains limited. Her efforts have empowered communities with knowledge about early detection and prevention, significantly reducing the stigma and fear surrounding cancer. Her work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2004, the Rashtriya Rattan Award in 2004, the Mahila Shiromani Award in 2005, and a fellowship from the Association of Surgeons of India.
A Beacon for Girls’ Empowerment
Dr. Deshmane’s story is not just one of professional excellence but also of personal sacrifice and giving back. Choosing to remain unmarried to focus on her education and career, she defied societal expectations and paved the way for others to follow. Today, she is a mentor and supporter of girls from underprivileged backgrounds, helping them access education and pursue their ambitions. Her life serves as a powerful reminder that no dream is too big, no matter one’s circumstances.
In her own words, shared through posts on X, Dr. Deshmane reflects, “Poverty couldn’t break my spirit. My parents’ belief in me and my determination to serve kept me going.” Her journey resonates deeply with young women across India, particularly those from marginalized communities, proving that resilience and hard work can shatter barriers.
A National Icon Honored
The Padma Shri award, conferred on Dr. Deshmane in 2025, is a testament to her lifelong dedication to cancer care and social upliftment. Announced on January 25, 2025, by the Union government, the honor places her among other distinguished individuals from Karnataka, including folk artists Bhimavva Shillekyathara and Venkappa Ambaji Sugathekar. The award celebrates her contributions to medicine and her inspiring journey from a slum to the pinnacle of oncology.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with praise for Dr. Deshmane. Posts from users like @thebetterindia and @JaiBhimMadiga highlight her as a role model for the Madiga community and beyond, emphasizing her rise from poverty to national recognition. “From a slum in Karnataka to the Padma Shri! At 70, she’s transformed cancer care in India,” one post read, capturing the collective admiration for her achievements.
A Legacy of Hope
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane’s life is a narrative of hope, resilience, and service. From the streets of Kalaburagi to the operating theaters of Bengaluru, she has not only saved thousands of lives but also ignited dreams in the hearts of young girls across India. Her story challenges societal norms, celebrates the power of education, and underscores the impact of compassion in medicine.
As she continues to support girls in need and advocate for cancer awareness, Dr. Deshmane remains a living testament to the idea that no hurdle is too hard and no dream too distant. For a nation striving for progress and equality, her journey is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that with courage and determination, even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary heights.
