Mallamma has been recently awarded the 2024 Kannada Rajyotsava Award for her tireless service as a midwife.
In the quiet town of Kavital and neighbouring villages in Karnataka’s Raichur district, Mallamma, 74, has become a household name for her unwavering dedication to ensuring safe, natural childbirth.
Known affectionately as ‘Soolagithi Mallamma’, she has been recently awarded the 2024 Kannada Rajyotsava Award for her tireless service as a midwife.
Mallamma’s journey as a midwife began over 40 years ago, during a time when access to healthcare facilities in rural Karnataka was scarce. Without formal medical training, she relied on the wisdom passed down through generations and her deep understanding of traditional childbirth practices. Mallamma would travel on foot from village to village, responding to calls from expectant mothers at all hours of the day and night.
By assisting in natural and safe deliveries, Mallamma saved the lives of countless mothers and newborns. Over the years, she has assisted in over 10,000 deliveries, all free of cost.
By assisting in natural and safe deliveries, Mallamma saved the lives of countless mothers and newborns. Over the years, she has assisted in over 10,000 deliveries, all free of cost.
For Mallamma, the awards are a source of joy but not the ultimate goal. “I don’t need money. I am content with the respect and love I receive from the people I serve,” she said.
In fact, she was also offered opportunities to work in hospitals but declined in the “interest of serving the society”. “My doctors in the village asked me to work and earn a decent livelihood. But I refused. I want to pursue this as a social work and help the needy,” she said.
Despite her contributions, Mallamma’s personal life has been one of struggle.
She has a small shed where she sleeps and another shed where she cooks. Between the two sheds, one can find a herd of cattle sauntering. In fact, her sheds are located on government land and run the risk of being demolished at any time.
She, therefore, submitted, “All I ask from the government is to provide me with proper housing to live, cook, and conduct my day-to-day chores.”
In addition to the Kannada Rajyotsava Award, she was recently honoured by the Raichur district administration for her contributions not only as a midwife but also for her role in promoting traditional medicine and women’s health.
source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)