Berhampur: As acclaimed Odisha gynaecologist Dr K Laxmi Bai stepped into her 100th year, her birthday was celebrated in reverence, joy and timeless admiration at her Bhabanagar residence here on Friday.
In a personal note, President Droupadi Murmu wished her “good health and a peaceful life”.
An enduring symbol of compassion, Dr Laxmi recently donated Rs 3.40 crore, her entire life’s savings, to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for women’s health in act of unparalleled generosity.
She was honoured with a ceremony embracing spiritual grace, scholarly warmth and familial affection.
Surrounded by a galaxy of senior doctors, affectionate disciples and family members, including her nephew Dr Shanu John from Chicago, Dr Bai cut a magnificent three-layered cake wearing a glittering crown.
The atmosphere came alive with the chanting of sacred shlokas, the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, and joyous birthday songs.
Retired Professor Dr Bharati Mishra joined family members in dancing to celebrate the doctor who has touched countless lives with her healing hands.
The ceremony commenced with the resonant recitation of ‘Om’, rendered by the India Book of Records-honoured anchoring duo Hrushikesh Panigrahi and Sudipta Panigrahi. The event was thoughtfully organised by Dr Bai’s family in association with her devoted disciples Dr P. Bharati and Prof. Dr Bharati Mishra, former Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MKCG Medical College.
Dr Dilip Kumar Parida, Superintendent and Officiating Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, came with his team to honour his revered teacher.
Speaking with deep emotion, he said, “AIIMS Bhubaneswar is eternally grateful to Prof. Dr. Laxmi Bai. Her noble contribution will be dedicated to research, community service, preventive vaccines, and crucially, cervical cancer vaccination. The fund will be fixed, and the interest shall support poor and needy women across Odisha.”
Dr Parida, a student of Dr Bai in the 1980s, added, “She should live long and continue guiding us with her wisdom.”
Dr Bai’s monumental donation aims to strengthen Gynaecological Oncology at AIIMS — an enduring gift that will shape future healers and bring hope to countless women battling cancer.
Her nephew Dr Shanu John praised the gesture as “truly nice,” adding, “We must now work even harder to save the lives of women suffering from cancer.”
Other distinguished dignitaries who graced the occasion included former Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu, former MLA Dr Ramesh Chandra Chou Patnaik, Dr N.C. Padhi, Dr Uma Padhi, Dr Charan Panda, Dr Trinath Mishra.
