Sushila Nayyar - A Lifestory
Physician: Healing India, Empowering Women, Embodying Gandhian Ideals
Sushila Nayyar was an Indian physician, public health expert, politician, and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Born in 1914, she dedicated her life to serving the underprivileged and promoting Gandhian principles of simple living, social justice, and community development. Nayyar's commitment to public health stemmed from a deep concern for the suffering she witnessed, particularly among women and children in rural India. She pursued her medical education and became a skilled physician, specializing in public health.
Her association with Gandhi profoundly shaped her life and work. She lived and worked in Gandhi's ashrams, participating in his social reform movements and learning from his philosophy. Nayyar played a crucial role in providing medical care to those involved in the Indian independence movement and was even imprisoned alongside Gandhi during the Quit India Movement. After India gained independence, she continued her work in public health, focusing on initiatives like sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention, particularly in rural areas.
Nayyar's dedication extended beyond medical practice. She actively participated in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and later as the Minister of Health in the Indian government. In these roles, she championed policies aimed at improving public health infrastructure and expanding access to healthcare for all citizens. She also founded Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS) in Sevagram, a medical college committed to providing medical education rooted in Gandhian values and serving the healthcare needs of rural communities. Sushila Nayyar's life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to social service, public health, and the Gandhian ideals of selfless service and dedication to the welfare of others. She passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of service and inspiration for generations to come.
