TV9 Disc: 'Maha Maate' : 92-Yr-Old Midwife Narasamma Awarded for Carrying Out 1,500 Deliveries

  • 11 years ago
TV9 Discussion: 'Maha Maate' : 92 Year-Old Midwife Narasamma Gets National Award for Carrying Out 1,500 Deliveries - Full.....,
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Ninety-two-year-old midwife Narasamma from Krishnapura village of Pavagada taluk has been chosen for a national award for carrying out 1,500 deliveries in remote areas.

Announcing this at a press conference in Bangalore on Thursday, Minister of State for Women and Child Welfare Umashree said the award being given by the Union government on the International Day of Older Persons on October 1 in New Delhi carries a cash prize of Rs. 2.5 lakh.

Despite being unlettered, Ms. Narasamma — popularly known as soolagitti (traditional midwife) — has made a huge contribution to the sector of women’s health by carrying out such a large number of deliveries among poor families in remote rural areas. She also provides neonatal care for about nine days. Such is her popularity that there are instances when people from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh have taken her to their villages for deliveries, she said. .

She has been at the bedside of all expectant women in these villages, and it's under her tutelage that bawling babies would be safely delivered. And in return, she wouldn't take any fee, but the overjoyed parents would, more often than not, thrust gifts and cash into her hands, which she would happily accept.

Narasamma learned midwifery from her grandmother Marigamma, who was also famous. As a child, she would accompany Marigamma and assist her, but not once did she think that she would become an expert too.

Narasamma's first attempt at midwifery happened quite by accident, when she was just 16. When Kanumakka of her locality went into labour, there was none to help as the men were at work and the women weren't around. With the situation going out of hand, Narasamma decided to take charge of the delivery, and when a little boy pushed out into the world, she was enormously relieved. And her journey began.

Sharing some experiences with TOI, Narasamma said all the deliveries were successful. "I haven't failed even once, and this gives me immense satisfaction. When I was delivered Kanumakka's baby, it was a scary experience. My hands were shaking as none of the elders were present. I was constantly talking to her, but she was nervous too," she added.

Kanumakka's delivery gave her confidence, and the entire village appreciated her presence of mind, she reminisced, her eyes glowing. As time wore on, Narasamma became both doctor and nurse for the surrounding villagers. There would be calls at all times of the day and night, and she would rush, with her deft hand of experience. She has also taught other women the little tricks of the labour room.

Narasamma married Anjinappa at the age of 12, and the couple had 12 children. She began working as a coolie, but soon settled down as a homemaker.

Soolagitti Narasamma has brought into the world generations of babies in her own family, including her great-grandchildren in the past couple of years.

For her service to society, the Centre awarded her the 'Voyashrestha Sanman', a lifetime achievement award which was presented to her by President Pranab Mukherjee.

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