In the remote village of Obalashettihalli, Karnataka, a 103-year-old woman stands as a living testament to decades of selfless service. Sulagatthi Eeramma, a traditional midwife, has brought more than 13,000 babies into the world during her extraordinary career spanning over half a century.
The Guardian Angel of Obalashettihalli
Back in 1972, when 22-year-old Yellamma experienced severe labor pains in her remote Karnataka village, hospitals were nothing but distant dreams. The woman who came to her rescue was Sulagatthi Eeramma, who successfully delivered Yellamma's baby boy, Manjappa - who is now 53 years old.
This was just one of the thousands of deliveries Eeramma performed in and around her village located 79 kilometers from Vijayanagar district. For her community, Eeramma became nothing short of a living goddess, providing crucial maternal healthcare at a time when India's healthcare system hadn't even reached the state's two-tier towns.
A Lifetime of Service Against All Odds
Born in 1922, Eeramma faced numerous challenges early in life. She was married at a young age and gave birth to three children during the Plague that devastated North Karnataka, claiming many lives in the region. While working in the fields, she learned the art of midwifery from her grandmother.
"I assisted in my first delivery when I was 30 years old," Eeramma recalls. "I didn't have any kind of doubt about my ability, and there was community support. After the first success, it became news in and around my village."
From that moment forward, Eeramma's life transformed into one of constant service. Her son Manjappa remembers her dedication: "She used to keep herself available all the time. She traveled at least 30 kilometers - on bullock carts or as a pillion rider on cycles - to perform deliveries. It didn't matter whether it was night or day, she never said 'no' to anyone, despite her difficulties."
When Hospitals Were Unknown
Vinay Kumar M T, a teacher at Government Higher Primary School in Obalashettihalli, explains the healthcare vacuum that existed during the 1950s: "This part of the region was not developed then. Forget hospitals, the villagers back then didn't know the term 'doctor.' The nearest district headquarters was Ballari, which is again 76 kilometers away."
The teacher emphasizes Eeramma's crucial role: "If Eeramma weren't there, many women and children would have died. A primary health centre came into existence in Chikkajogahalli, 7 kilometers from the village, only 25 years ago, and it was upgraded to perform deliveries around 15 years ago."
Nagaveni B B, a 23-year-old attender at a cooperative society, shares her personal debt to Eeramma: "When my mother was pregnant, she couldn't afford to travel to town for delivery at a government hospital. If there was no Eeramma, I don't know whether I would be alive to talk to you today."
Humble Beginnings and Gender-Based Payments
In stark contrast to today's expensive healthcare system, Eeramma recalls receiving minimal compensation for her vital services. The highest payment she ever received was just Rs 5. More strikingly, her compensation often depended on the baby's gender.
"I never asked for money from anyone, but some people gave me," she explains. "In the early days, if a boy child was born, I used to get two plates of jowar or ragi, and if a girl child was born, I used to get one plate. I would have to take care of the newborn and the mother for the next 16 days."
Nagaveni adds another dimension to Eeramma's dedication: "As a child, I've seen that she has delivered babies in bullock carts on the way to hospitals. Some people in nearby villages also preferred Eeramma to doctors, fearing C-section deliveries."
Recognition After Decades of Service
With healthcare facilities finally reaching her village, Eeramma stopped attending delivery cases when she turned 85. "During that time, some government nurses asked me not to do midwifery and warned me of legal actions. I stopped it then," she says.
This year, the Karnataka government finally recognized her monumental contribution to rural maternal health by honoring her with the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava award. Her son Manjappa shares their pride: "Forget applying for an award, she didn't know such an award existed till she got one. Despite being 103 years old, we took her to Bengaluru, and it was a proud moment for us."
Eeramma's story stands as a powerful reminder of the unsung heroes who kept communities healthy when formal healthcare systems remained out of reach. Her 13,000 successful deliveries represent not just medical procedures, but generations of families who owe their existence to her skill and dedication.
