Dr Muthulakshmi Reddi was a groundbreaking woman who broke barriers across medicine, education, law, and social reform. Born on July 30, 1886 in Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu, her father, Narayanaswami Iyer, was the principal of Maharaja College, and her mother, Chandramma, was a former devadasi (temple dancer). Her father noted her passion for learning and decided to support her education, setting her on the path to great achievements.
In 1902, Muthulakshmi excelled in her matriculation exams, making her eligible for college. Her application to Maharaja College faced societal resistance, but the Maharaja of Pudukottai overruled the protests and gave her a scholarship. Muthulakshmi pursued her studies with determination, eventually earning a medical degree and becoming a house surgeon at the Government Hospital for Women and Children in Chennai.
Dr Muthulakshmi's impact was felt beyond the medical field. Invited by the Women’s Indian Association, she joined the Madras Legislative Council and was later elected as its vice president. In this role, she helped pass important laws, including raising the age of consent for marriage to 16 for girls and 21 for boys, protecting young girls from early marriages.
Her understanding of the devadasi system drove Dr Muthulakshmi to push for social reform. She campaigned to abolish the system and close brothels through the Immoral Traffic Control Act. To support and rehabilitate devadasis, she founded the Avvai Home in Adyar, providing them with a safe place and new opportunities.
After losing a sister to cancer, Dr Muthulakshmi was determined to improve cancer care in India. In 1954, she founded the Adyar Cancer Institute, which aimed to offer equal treatment to all patients, regardless of their socio-economic status. The institute remains a leading centre for cancer research and care.
Her dedication to improving the lives of women and children earned her widespread recognition. Her name was included in the first flag of independent India raised at the Red Fort in 1947, and she was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddi passed away in 1968, but her legacy lives on. Her efforts towards advancing women's rights, education, and healthcare continue to inspire future generations. Her life is a powerful example of perseverance and the impact of dedicated social activism, inspiring women around the world.