Dr. N. Kalyani: India’s First Lady Veterinarian – A Pioneer Who Broke Barriers in 1952
Dr. N. Kalyani (1930-2010)
(A Trailblazer’s Profile)
Kalyani was born on 28th June, 1930, in Madras, into a very progressive-minded family. Her mother, N. Devanayaki, was a pioneering lady; a Science Graduate, an Educationist, and an Inspectress of Schools in the erstwhile State of Madras. Her father, K.Narayanaswami Aiyer, was a Civil Lawyer; known as ‘Tennis’ Narayanaswami Aiyer, as he was the undisputed South Indian Tennis Champion, in the 1920s. He lovingly bequeathed the tennis genes to all his four children : Marakatha, Kalyani, Ramakrishnan, Gopalkrishnan.
All four, shone not only in sports, but in academics too; gold medallists all; more importantly, with golden values.
Devanayaki encouraged her daughters to the hilt. There was no talk of “girls must stay at home, learn to cook, sing, get married…” Boys and girls were treated alike. The two girls, Marakatha and Kalyani (Margi and Kay) thus throve in this environment; revelled in all kinds of activities. Kalyani was an outstanding hurdler; she was also one of the few girls playing cricket, and would go with her brothers to watch test matches at the Chepauk Stadium, in Madras.
An ace tennis player, Kalyani was the champion at the Queen Mary’s College, Madras; when studying Intermediate Science; winning accolades for her College.
In 1947, Kalyani did the unthinkable – she joined the Madras Veterinary College, thereby storming a hitherto male bastion; graduating in 1952, with top honours. Dr. Kalyani has thus the unique distinction, along with classmate, Dr. Sakubai, of being the FIRST lady Veterinary Doctor in India ! She is also the Panikkar Gold Medallist, and the Class Valedictorian, in that iconic batch.
After Graduation, Dr. Kalyani continued at the Madras Veterinary College, practising at the hospital farm, tending to bovines and equines. There was a cow named after her. She then worked at the Teynampet Poultry Farm, in Madras. Inspired by this pioneering lady vet, there is a book “Secret Wild Vet Kalyani” written by Geeta Dharmarajan.
In 1953, Dr. Kalyani married Pilot Officer P.V. Iyer, a dashing young Air Force Officer from Calicut; and their wonderful Air Force Chapter began. They had three children – Mina, Indira, Parameswaran; and a cat and a dog.
Dr. Kalyani passed away in Pune, in July 2010, soon after her 80th birthday, with her loving husband by her side, and a Sudoku puzzle in her hand.
Kalyani’s husband, Air Marshal P.V. Iyer, AVSM, VSM (retd), a marathon runner, and a Singapore Asian Veteran’s Athletic Meet, 1981 Gold Medallist, is now 96 years old. He continues his fitness training: runs 8 km a day, does pull ups, lifts 7 kg dumbbells; writes a book (‘Fit at Any Age”, published by Bloomsbury,2022).
Kalyani was selfless, compassionate, gentle, talented, and strong, A pioneer indeed, in entering a veterinary college full of men; paving the way for generations of women veterinarians.
NB- “The rare photograph of Dr. N. Kalyani has been graciously shared by her daughter, Dr. Meena Anand. We sincerely acknowledge her support in preserving and sharing this invaluable legacy.”
