Dr Vijayalakshmi — A story of grit & determination

POVERTY and illiteracy of her parents did not stop her from ascending to the top from the depths. Oncologist Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, born at Kobal village of Jewargi taluk (Kalaburagi district), took poverty and illiteracy of her parents as a challenge and reached the peak of her career which got her the recognition of Padma Shri award that was announced on Sunday.

- RAMAKRISHNA BADSESHI @Kalaburagi

Speaking exclusively to The New Indian Express on Monday, Dr Deshmane said she was conferred with the prestigious Rajyotsava Award in 2004. She is probably the first person from the cobbler community from Kalaburagi district to receive Padma Shri. The support of her parents, her hard work and the grace of Lord Krishna showed her the path, she said.

"My parents, though illiterate, had decided to provide a good education to their children. Of eight of us, six are PhD holders and we have served in different universities. I am the eldest and have completed MBBS and MS. My brother is a practising advocate in Kalaburagi," she said.