Mary Poonen Lukose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Poonen Lukose
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A vector drawing of Mary Poonen Lukose
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| Born | 30 July 1886 Aymanam, Kottayam, Travancore, British Indian Empire
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| Died | 2 October 1976 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Gynecologist, obstetrician |
| Known for | Medical service |
| Spouse(s) | K. K. Lukose |
| Children | Gracie Lukose, K. P. Lukose |
| Parent(s) | T. E. Poonen |
| Awards | Padma Shri Vaidyasasthrakusala |
Mary Poonen Lukose was an amazing Indian doctor. She was a gynecologist (a doctor for women's health) and an obstetrician (a doctor who helps with childbirth). She made history as the first female Surgeon General in India.
She also started important medical centers. These included a Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Nagarcoil and an X-Ray and Radium Institute in Thiruvananthapuram. Mary Lukose was the head of the Health Department in the state of Travancore. She was also the first woman to be a legislator (a lawmaker) in that state. In 1975, the Government of India gave her the Padma Shri. This is one of India's highest civilian awards.
Biography
Early Life and Education
Mary Poonen was born on August 2, 1886. Her family was wealthy and lived in Aymanam, a small village in the state of Travancore. This area is now part of Kerala, India. Her father, T. E. Poonen, was a doctor. He was the first medical graduate in Travancore. He also served as the Royal Physician for the state. Mary's mother had health problems. Because of this, Mary was raised by British governesses.
Mary went to Holy Angel's Convent High School, Thiruvananthapuram. She was an excellent student and topped her final exams. However, she faced a challenge. She wanted to study science at Maharajas College, Thiruvananthapuram. But she was not allowed because she was a girl. So, she studied history instead. In 1909, she became the first woman to graduate from Madras University. She was also the only female student at her college.
Since Indian universities did not accept women for medical studies, Mary moved to London. She earned her MBBS degree from the University of London. She was the first woman from what is now Kerala to get a medical degree. She continued her training in the UK. She specialized in gynecology and obstetrics at Rotunda Hospital in Dublin. She also trained in pediatrics (children's health) at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She worked in various hospitals in the UK. She even found time to study music and passed the London Music Examination.
Career and Achievements
Mary returned to India in 1916, the year her father passed away. She became an obstetrician at the Women and Children Hospital in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. She also became the superintendent (head) of the hospital. A year later, she married K. K. Lukose, a lawyer. He later became a judge of the High Court of Travancore.
At Thycaud Hospital, Mary started a special training program. It was for the children of local midwives. This helped her gain their support. In 1922, she was chosen to join the legislative assembly of Travancore. This assembly was called the Sree Chitra State Council. This made her the first woman legislator in the state.
Two years later, in 1924, she was promoted. She became the Acting Surgeon General of Travancore. This made her the first woman to hold this high medical position in India. She continued working at the hospital until 1938. During this time, she was continuously nominated to the state assembly. In 1938, she officially became the Surgeon General. She was in charge of 32 government hospitals, 40 government dispensaries, and 20 private institutions. It is believed she was the first woman Surgeon General in the world. For comparison, the first woman Surgeon General in the US was appointed much later, in 1990.
Mary was also a founder of the Thiruvananthapuram chapter of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). She became its first president in 1918. She held this position for 50 years, until 1968. She was also the Chief Commissioner of the Girl Guides in India. She helped start the Indian Medical Association. She also co-founded the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI).
As the Surgeon General, she started the Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Nagarcoil. This was one of the first such centers in India. It later grew into the Kanyakumari Government Medical College. She also founded the X-Ray and Radium Institute in Thiruvananthapuram.
Later Life and Legacy
Mary and K. K. Lukose had two children. Their eldest, Gracie, became a medical doctor. She was an assistant professor at Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi. Their youngest, K. P. Lukose, had a career in diplomacy. He was a consul general and India's ambassador to Bulgaria.
Mary's husband passed away in 1947. Sadly, both of her children also passed away before her. Mary Poonen Lukose died on October 2, 1976, at the age of 90.
She received the title Vaidyasasthrakusala from Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. He was the last Maharaja of Travancore. In 1975, the Government of India honored her with the civilian award of Padma Shri. Her life showed great dedication to medicine and public service.
