Biography of Pauline Podlashuk

Pauline Podlashuk graduated from the University MB ChB in 1925. She became active in the suffragette movement in South Africa and practiced medicine.

Born in Shavli, Russia (modern day Šiauliai in Lithuania), daughter of Salmon, a farmer, Podlashuk was educated in the Ukraine and Lithuania, postponing her study of medicine to join her brothers who had immigrated to South Africa in 1902.

Before coming to Glasgow, Podlashuk was secretary of the Women’s Enfranchisement League in Johannesburg. She had the opportunity to translate one of Leo Tolstoy’s last Russian language letters to Mahatma Gandhi and attend the meeting between Gandhi and Pixley ka Isaka Seme, the founder and President of the African National Congress, at the Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg in 1911.

Podlashuk finally matriculated at the University in 1919, aged 37, to start her studies.

Returning through Europe to South Africa in 1926, Podlashuk continued to practice medicine. Her memoirs, Adventure of Life - Reminiscences of Pauline Podlashuk, were published in 2010.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• Anil Nauriya, Gandhi and the Founders of the African National Congress

Archival Materials

• Corina van der Spoel, Gandhi and the serendipity of reading, Stellenbosch Literary Project
• R8/5/40/11 Matriculation Slip 1919-20 Women N-Y

Summary

Pauline Podlashuk
Born 24 March 1882.
GU Degree: MB ChB, 1925;
University Link: Alumnus, Graduate
Occupation categories: physicians
English snippet: Medical Graduate and activist for suffragette movement in South Africa
Record last updated: 6th Dec 2012

Country Associations

Lithuania, Šiauliai
Place of Birth

Russian Federation, No Region

South Africa, Johannesburg

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus
• Graduate

Images

Pauline Podlashuk, matriculation 1919-20