In the quiet village of Katlamol, Netravali, Sanguem, the name Savitri Pandu Naik — or simply ‘Aii’ to the locals — reso nates with love, trust and grat itude. For more than 45 years, Aii dedicated her life to one call ing – serving as a midwife, help ing women bring new life into the world. At the age of 40, what began as a modest curiosity transformed into a lifelong mission. Enroll ing in a short, 10-day govern ment training programme at the Sanguem Health Centre, she took her first steps into a role that would define her existence. Over the decades, she became an indis pensable presence in childbirths across Netravali and neighbour ing villages. Villagers often say, “No delivery ever happened with out Aii.” On busy days, she would attend to three or four deliveries, tirelessly navigating poor transpor tation and limited medical facilities. Though she never held for mal medical qualifications, Aii earned the affectionate title of “the doctor for pregnant wom en.” Her courage and calm hands were a beacon of hope in times when hospital access was scarce. Even in complicated cases, she stepped in without hesitation, en suring the safety of both mother and child. “I had never dreamed of becoming anyone,” Aii recalls, her voice filled with humility. “But after those 10 days of training, I began helping women with deliveries. Since then, I have assisted in lakhs of childbirths — even in critical cases. People used to call me three or four times at once, and I would attend one after another. If I wasn’t there, they would say, ‘Without Aii, we won’t do anything.’ That was the kind of trust people had in me.” Now, at 85, Aii has stepped back from her work due to age and health issues. Ironically, the village’s greatest helper now struggles to access medical care herself, with the nearest hospital nearly 30 km away in Sanguem. Yet, even today, her heart beats for her community. She ap peals to the government for a 24-hour doctor and proper women’s healthcare facilities in Netravali, determined to ensure safe deliveries for the next generation. Savitri “Aii” Naik’s life is a testament to compassion, dedication, and selfless service. In a world where heroism is often cele brated in grand gestures, her story reminds us that true heroism often lies in quiet, relentless care — the kind that brings life into the world and leaves an enduring legacy in the hearts of those she served
Savitri ‘Aii’ Naik: 45 Years as the Lifeline for Childbirths in Netravali
