Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy: A Trailblazer in Medicine, Social Reform, and Women’s Rights

Key Points:

The term "trailblazer" is often used loosely today, but in the early twentieth century, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy truly embodied the word. She shattered social barriers, set multiple firsts for women in India, and dedicated her entire life to uplifting women and children, particularly the underprivileged. A pioneering medical practitioner, educator, legislator, and reformer, her contributions left an indelible mark on Indian society, particularly in medicine, education, and social welfare.

Muthulakshmi Reddy was born in 1886 in the princely state of Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu. Her father, S. Narayanaswamy Iyer, was a college principal, and her mother, Chandrammal, was a Devadasi. At that time, under the Devadasi tradition, young girls were dedicated to the service of deities. When Muthulakshmi turned 11, there were plans to dedicate her as a Devadasi too, but her parents, especially her father, broke this age-old custom and courageously chose to educate her instead.

Her academic brilliance faced resistance due to her gender and background. When she applied to Maharaja’s College, she was initially denied admission. Only after the intervention of Raja Martanda Bhairava Thondaman of Pudukkottai was she accepted, becoming the first female student admitted to a men’s college and even granted a scholarship. While studying, she endured several social restrictions: she was made to sit behind a curtain, separated from male students, and the college bell would only ring for boys to leave after she had exited the premises.

In 1907, she joined Madras Medical College, graduating in 1912 with seven gold medals, and became the first female House Surgeon in a government hospital—a groundbreaking achievement in an era when women rarely entered professional education or medicine. Muthulakshmi proved that determination can break any barrier.

See Also:

As a medical student, she once took care of her cousin’s child after the baby’s mother died during childbirth. This incident strengthened her resolve to bring social reform. During her medical training, Muthulakshmi witnessed maternal deaths and poor healthcare for women, fueling her passion for reform. She actively campaigned against practices like wet nursing, where Dalit women were hired to breastfeed upper-class babies, raising awareness about the benefits of natural breastfeeding.

Her exposure to societal injustices led her to collaborate with leaders like Annie Besant, working toward women’s empowerment. In 1926, she became a member of the Madras Legislative Council, where she introduced the first bill to abolish the Devadasi system. She also championed free education for girls, raised the legal marriage age, advocated for women’s medical facilities, established rescue homes for victims of trafficking, and improved health services in slum areas.

Muthulakshmi Reddy’s political journey was groundbreaking, marked by several historic firsts that paved the way for women in Indian politics. She became the first woman legislator in British India, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated political landscape. She further made history by serving as the Deputy President of the Madras Legislative Council, becoming the first woman globally to hold such a prestigious position. Additionally, she was appointed as the first Alderwoman of the Madras Corporation, showcasing her leadership in municipal governance. Her commitment to social welfare was further recognized when she became the inaugural Chairperson of the State Social Welfare Advisory Board, where she championed initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and underprivileged communities.

She documented her legislative work in her book My Experience as a Legislator. Throughout her political career, she remained deeply committed to eradicating gender inequalities and pushing for women’s welfare reforms. In 1930, she resigned from her legislative position in protest against Mahatma Gandhi’s arrest, reflecting her commitment to both social and national causes.

In 1930, three young Devadasi girls, rejected by both hostels and schools due to caste discrimination, sought refuge at her home. Determined to help them, Muthulakshmi established 'Avvai Illam' (Avvai Home) in 1931, providing shelter and education to marginalized girls. Over time, it expanded into a school and teacher training institution, continuing to empower underprivileged women to this day.

Witnessing her sister’s death due to a misdiagnosed case of rectal cancer, Muthulakshmi dreamt of establishing a specialized cancer care center accessible to all, regardless of economic status. Despite governmental indifference, she persisted, founding the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai in 1954 with the support of the Women’s Indian Association (WIA).

Starting as a small office, the institute has grown into one of India’s largest cancer hospitals, with over 650 beds, a research wing, and preventive oncology programs. It operates as a charitable, non-profit organization, providing free or subsidized treatment, fulfilling Dr. Reddy’s vision of healthcare for all.

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy’s remarkable contributions to medicine, women’s rights, and social reform have been widely recognized over the years. She was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956, India’s third-highest civilian award, for her pioneering work in healthcare and women’s empowerment. In Tamil Nadu, July 30 is observed as Hospital Day every year to commemorate her birth anniversary and her transformative impact on public health services. In recognition of her lasting legacy, Google dedicated a Doodle on her 133rd birth anniversary, celebrating her role as a trailblazer in women’s education and welfare. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government launched the Maternity Benefit Scheme in her name, further cementing her contribution to improving maternal and child healthcare in the state.

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy passed away on July 22, 1968, at the age of 81. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy thrives through institutions like Avvai Home and the Adyar Cancer Institute, as well as the countless reforms she pioneered for women’s education, healthcare, and social equality.

Her life remains a testament to the power of determination, courage, and vision. By breaking barriers in a deeply patriarchal society, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy paved the way for generations of women to aspire, achieve, and lead. She stands as a symbol of women’s empowerment in India, her contributions immortalized in the progress of every girl who gains education and equality today. [Rh/VP]

Also Read: