Bai Kashibai Ganpat, hailing from Thane, Maharashtra, holds the distinguished honour of being India’s first formally trained woman nurse. At a time when Indian society was still grappling with rigid social norms and gender restrictions, she bravely stepped into a profession that was not yet socially accepted for women in India.
- Bai Kashibai Ganpat was trained in nursing in the late 19th century, during British colonial rule.
- She overcame cultural resistance and societal taboos to enter a field that demanded compassion, resilience, and skill — qualities she displayed in abundance.
- Her service inspired the beginnings of formal nursing education for Indian women, helping to lay the foundation for the nursing movement in India.
- Recognized as the first Indian woman to be trained and employed as a nurse.
- Her contribution came at a time when even basic education for women was rare.
- Bai Kashibai’s dedication helped transform nursing into a respected and accessible profession for Indian women.
Today, thousands of Indian women pursue nursing — both in India and abroad — thanks to the courage and vision of early pioneers like Bai Kashibai Ganpat. Her legacy continues to inspire institutions and individuals committed to compassionate healthcare and women’s empowerment.
