Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, a prominent figure in the districts of Valsad and Surat, is known for her outstanding contributions as a dentist, her passion for cycling, and her advocacy for literature. Born in Vadodara and raised in Valsad, Dr Joshi has embarked on a remarkable journey that has positively impacted her community and beyond.
Dr. Joshi's parents, Arunbhai Nayak, a mechanical engineer, and Ushaben, a General Physician at a Government Hospital, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a commitment to serving others. Her early education took place at Vadodara's Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, where she not only excelled academically but also showcased her talents in various extracurricular activities. She actively participated and achieved remarkable success in sports such as Kabaddi, Basketball, Skating, and Drama.
With a deep-rooted passion for healthcare, Dr. Joshi pursued a degree in Dentistry from Jamnagar's dental college, where she earned her BDS qualification. Her dedication and expertise were exemplified when she scored an impressive 72 marks in the Pediatrics dentistry subject, which was the highest in all of India.
In 1998, Dr. Bhairavi Joshi married Dr. Kalpesh Joshi, a renowned physician in Valsad. Until 2004, she honed her dental skills while working at Kasturba Hospital as a dentist. In 2004, she took a significant step in her professional journey and established her own clinic, named Dhruvi Dental Clinic. Dedicated to providing exceptional dental care, she garnered a loyal patient base.
Driven by her commitment to continuous growth and improvement, Dr. Joshi opened her own dental clinic in 2019. Her unwavering dedication to her patients' oral health and well-being has earned her a reputation as a highly skilled and compassionate dentist in the region.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Bhairavi Joshi's personal journey took an unexpected turn in 2010 when she gave birth to her younger daughter, Vaishvi. During this period, she experienced a significant weight gain, reaching 86 kilos from her initial weight of 50 kilos. Determined to reclaim her health and lead a fulfilling life, she explored various physical activities, including walking, running, cycling, and yoga.
Out of these activities, cycling resonated with her the most, quickly becoming an inseparable part of her life. Driven by her newfound passion, Dr Joshi began using a bicycle for commuting to nearby areas and even for travelling to her dental clinic. In 2015, she participated in the 50 km cyclothon at Ahmedabad, competing in the open category. Despite having no formal training, her natural talent propelled her to secure the fifth position.
Motivated by this achievement, Dr Bhairavi Joshi delved deeper into cycling and gradually began training more rigorously. Within a year, she completed a challenging 200 km night cycling event, showcasing her determination and resilience. Her remarkable progress in the cycling world led to her appointment as the bicycle mayor of the Valsad district for the BYCS Global Foundation in 2019. At the time, she became the fourth bicycle mayor in the country, a testament to her commitment to promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
Recognizing the cultural and infrastructural differences between the Netherlands and India, Dr. Joshi played a crucial role in establishing the BYCS India Foundation three years ago. Taking on the role of its director, she spearheaded initiatives to foster cycling culture and infrastructure development within the country.
Dr. Bhairavi Joshi's contributions extend beyond cycling advocacy. In June 2021, she became a member of the Indian government's health ministry's Cycle for Health committee, demonstrating her commitment to promoting cycling as a means of improving public health. Her efforts to collaborate with the urban development ministry have paved the way for future partnerships aimed at promoting cycling and sustainable urban transportation.
The Indian Peddling League, an initiative led by Dr. Joshi, has gained significant popularity, inspiring individuals to embrace cycling and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, she played a vital role in the "Cycle for Change Challenge," an initiative by the urban development ministry aimed at transforming communities through cycling.
Dr. Bhairavi Joshi's dedication to social and environmental causes is also evident in her involvement with the "Surakshit Sagar" initiative. Under the banner of the Ministry of Earth Science, she actively participated in a 7500 km long coastal area clean-up drive, underscoring her commitment to preserving the environment.
In 2021, Dr. Joshi established the "Trayam Foundation," further expanding her impact on society. She recognizes that her multifaceted pursuits in the medical field, cycling, and literature provide her with unique avenues to make a difference in people's lives.
Demonstrating her deep passion for literature, Dr. Bhairavi Joshi initiated various literary endeavours. In collaboration with her elder daughter Dhruvi, she established the Rising Writer Club, offering children the opportunity to explore storytelling and poetry. The club published a book titled "Little Hearts Coaching," showcasing the creativity and talent of these young writers.
To foster literary excellence, Dr. Joshi organizes state-level story-writing competitions for schools, nurturing young minds and encouraging their literary aspirations. Noted Bollywood actor Boman Irani inaugurated 34 books written by children from her club in 2016, a testament to the impact of her literary initiatives.
In 2017, Dr. Joshi organized a Children Literature Fest, providing a platform for children to showcase their literary prowess. Collaborating with Mahadev Desai of Vache Gujarat, she co-ventured for a creative writing workshop, encouraging children to explore their imaginations and express themselves through writing.
Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bhairavi Joshi remained committed to inspiring young minds. She organized an online writing competition, which culminated in the publication of a book titled "Corona Warriors." The book featured the thoughts and perspectives of 350 children on the topic, amplifying their voices and capturing their experiences during the global health crisis.
Dr. Bhairavi Joshi firmly believes in the words of Swami Vivekananda, "Arise awake and stop not till the goal is reached." For her, this slogan embodies the essence of determination and perseverance. She understands that setting clear goals and knowing when to reach them are critical elements in achieving success.
Dr. Bhairavi Joshi's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication, and service. Her contributions as a dentist, cycling advocate, and literary mentor have positively impacted her community and serve as an inspiration to many. Through her unwavering commitment to improving public health, promoting sustainable transportation, and fostering creativity in young minds, Dr. Joshi continues to create a lasting impact in Valsad and beyond.