Meet Mallamma Solagithi, a midwife who delivered over 10,000 lives for free in rural Karnataka
Raichur: Some people go above and beyond to help their community without seeking anything in return. One of them is Mallamma Solagithi, a 74-year-old woman who assists with childbirth, free of charge, in Karnataka’s Raichur district.
She is affectionately known as ‘Soolagithi Mallamma’ and has become a symbol of selfless service. Mallamma has dedicated over four decades to assisting in childbirth in Kavital and neighbouring villages, ensuring safe deliveries in an area where healthcare facilities were scarce.
Mallamma was honoured recently with the 2024 Kannada Rajyotsava Award for her remarkable and tireless service as a midwife.
According to a report by The Indian Express on Saturday, Mallamma’s journey began without formal medical training; she relied on the knowledge passed down through generations and her own experiences of traditional childbirth practices. She would travel on foot, regardless of time or distance, to help mothers in labour. Over the years, Mallamma has delivered over 10,000 babies—completely free of charge.
“I have always believed that childbirth is sacred and that every mother deserves a safe delivery. I never thought about money; my reward is the well-being of the mother and her baby,” Mallamma told the publication.
Mallamma’s eldest daughter, Nagamma, recalls her mother’s selflessness: “Even while eating, if news of a woman in labour reached her, she would leave her meal halfway and rush to help. She has done this countless times over the years.”
Her dedication to maternal care also extended to traditional medicine. Skilled in herbal remedies, Mallamma has earned the respect of her community as a ‘folk doctor,’ providing efficient and affordable remedies for postpartum recovery and common ailments.
Despite offers to work in hospitals and earn a formal livelihood, Mallamma has always chosen to serve her community instead. She expressed that she wants to pursue this as social work and help the needy.
While awards bring her joy, Mallamma insists they are not her true reward. “I don’t need money. I am content with the respect and love I receive from the people I serve,” she shared.
However, despite her significant contribution to the community, Mallamma's personal life remains a struggle. She lives in a small shed, with another used for cooking, located on government land at risk of demolition, the report mentioned. She has requested the government for proper housing to ensure a stable living environment.
In addition to the prestigious Kannada Rajyotsava Award, Mallamma was recently honoured by the Raichur district administration for her exceptional contributions to midwifery, promoting traditional medicine, and women's health.
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Patna-bound IndiGo flight makes emergency landing at Lucknow due to bad weather
Lucknow (PTI): Adverse weather forced an IndiGo Kolkata-Patna flight to make an emergency landing at Lucknow airport on Friday, airport sources said.
According to airport officials, weather conditions in Patna deteriorated suddenly on Friday afternoon, affecting flight operations.
IndiGo flight 6E 6917 from Kolkata, which was scheduled to land in Patna at 3.50 pm, could not land due to bad weather and kept circling in the air after failing to get clearance from air traffic control, they said.
The flight was later diverted to Lucknow and landed safely at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport at around 5.15 pm. There were 180 passengers and six crew members on board, officials said.
The aircraft was later allowed to depart for Patna after weather conditions improved.
