Within the quiet city of Kavital and neighbouring villages in Karnataka’s Raichur district, Mallamma, 74, has develop into a family identify for her unwavering dedication to making sure secure, pure childbirth.
Identified affectionately as ‘Soolagithi Mallamma’, she has been lately awarded the 2024 Kannada Rajyotsava Award for her tireless service as a midwife.
Mallamma’s journey as a midwife started over 40 years in the past, throughout a time when entry to healthcare amenities in rural Karnataka was scarce. With out formal medical coaching, she relied on the knowledge handed down by means of generations and her deep understanding of conventional childbirth practices. Mallamma would journey on foot from village to village, responding to calls from expectant moms in any respect hours of the day and evening.
By helping in pure and secure deliveries, Mallamma saved the lives of numerous moms and newborns. Over time, she has assisted in over 10,000 deliveries, all freed from value.
“I’ve all the time believed that childbirth is sacred and that each mom deserves a secure supply. I by no means thought of cash; my reward is the well-being of the mom and her child,” mentioned Mallamma.
Recalling her mom’s selflessness, Mallamma’s eldest daughter Nagamma mentioned: “Even whereas consuming, if information of a lady in labour reached her, she would depart her meal midway and rush to assist. She has achieved this numerous instances over time.”
Mallamma can be expert in conventional natural drugs, offering treatments for postpartum restoration and customary illnesses. She has earned the title of a ‘folks physician’ amongst locals, who belief her natural therapies for his or her efficacy and affordability.
For Mallamma, the awards are a supply of pleasure however not the last word purpose. “I don’t want cash. I’m content material with the respect and love I obtain from the individuals I serve,” she mentioned.
In actual fact, she was additionally provided alternatives to work in hospitals however declined within the “curiosity of serving the society”. “My docs within the village requested me to work and earn a good livelihood. However I refused. I wish to pursue this as a social work and assist the needy,” she mentioned.
Regardless of her contributions, Mallamma’s private life has been considered one of battle.
She has a small shed the place she sleeps and one other shed the place she cooks. Between the 2 sheds, one can discover a herd of cattle sauntering. In actual fact, her sheds are situated on authorities land and run the danger of being demolished at any time.
She, due to this fact, submitted, “All I ask from the federal government is to offer me with correct housing to dwell, prepare dinner, and conduct my day-to-day chores.”
Along with the Kannada Rajyotsava Award, she was lately honoured by the Raichur district administration for her contributions not solely as a midwife but in addition for her function in selling conventional drugs and ladies’s well being.
