From selling fruits to pioneering cancer care: Dr Deshmane's journey

Some of the most remarkable medical journeys begin far from hospitals and operating rooms. For Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, the path to becoming a pioneering surgical oncologist began after school, helping her mother sell fruits and vegetables to support their struggling family. She faced financial hardship, a language barrier and even academic failure, moments that nearly forced her to abandon her dream of becoming a doctor. Yet she returned, persevered and eventually broke barriers in surgical oncology. From a modest childhood in Karnataka to becoming a respected cancer specialist and Padma Shri awardee, Deshmane’s life is a powerful story of resilience, courage and service.A childhood shaped by sacrificeBorn in 1955, Deshmane grew up in a financially struggling family. Her father, Baburao Deshmane, worked as a labourer and was also a freedom fighter, while her mother, Ratnamma, sold fruits and vegetables.