মালা দত্ত রায়ের কাদম্বিনী গঙ্গোপাধ্যায়

Kadambini Ganguly made golden history as the first female doctor in the country. But should we remember her only as the first female graduate or the first female doctor? She was an exceptional woman characterized by intense desire, patience, boundless courage, and unwavering determination. Breaking through the barriers of a male-dominated society, Kadambini achieved her dreams.

Her life was marked by the challenges of conservative Hindu religious norms, the progressive ideas of Brahmoism with its concept of a singular and supreme deity, and internal disagreements among the Brahmo reformers. There was also the intense debate surrounding women's education, with both progressives and traditionalists causing waves in society. A few discerning women emerged from the confines of their homes to seek equality with men in the public sphere, often facing mockery from a dominant male society. Additionally, the rise of the Indian National Congress and the participation of women in politics added to the context of her journey.

In this backdrop, Malati Dutta Ray's book "Kadambini Ganguly: The First Bengali Woman Doctor" presents an unforgettable account of the rise of Bengali and Indian women during Bengal's Renaissance.