Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy was a pioneering Indian doctor, politician, feminist and social worker. Born in 1886 in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, Dr Reddy went on to become the first woman legislator in British India and the founder of the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai. Her tireless work in healthcare, politics and social reform made her a trailblazer for women’s rights in India.
Early Life and Family
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy was born to Narayanaswami Iyer, a sub-judge in Pudukkottai, and Chandramma, a homemaker. Her father was a progressive thinker who believed in educating his daughters, which was unusual for the time. Dr Reddy’s mother died when she was just three years old, and she was raised by her father and grandmother. She went on to marry Dr Sundara Reddy, a doctor and a social activist, in 1912.
Education
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy was educated in Madras and graduated from the Madras Medical College in 1912. She went on to complete her postgraduate studies in obstetrics and gynecology from the University of Michigan in the United States in 1929. Dr Reddy was one of the first women in India to receive a medical degree and went on to become a prominent medical practitioner and educator.
Role in Activism and Social Reform
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy was a committed social reformer and feminist who worked tirelessly for women’s rights in India. In 1927, she founded the Women’s Indian Association, which was dedicated to promoting women’s education, health and welfare. She was also instrumental in the passage of the Devadasi Abolition Act in 1934, which aimed to eradicate the practice of dedicating young girls to temples as prostitutes. Dr Reddy was also a vocal advocate for birth control and family planning, which were controversial issues at the time.
Political Career
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy made history in 1927 when she was elected to the Madras Legislative Council, becoming the first woman legislator in British India. She went on to serve in the council for over a decade and used her position to advocate for women’s rights and social reform. In 1937, she was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly and became the minister for public health and prohibition, making her the first woman to hold a cabinet post in India.
Establishment of Adyar Cancer Institute
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy founded the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai in 1954, which was one of the first cancer research and treatment centres in India. The institute was established with the aim of providing affordable cancer care to all sections ofpeople and conducting research into the disease. Dr Reddy also played a key role in establishing the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Chennai, which was dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and prevention.
Services to Tamil Language and People
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy was a strong advocate for the Tamil language and culture. She was an active member of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and worked to promote Tamil as the official language of the state. She also played a key role in the establishment of the Tamil Isai Sangam, an organisation dedicated to promoting Tamil music and dance. Dr Reddy was also a prolific writer and authored several books and articles on social reform, women’s rights and healthcare.
Achievements
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy’s contributions to healthcare, politics, and social reform in India were significant and far-reaching. She was a trailblazer for women’s rights and paved the way for future generations of women in India to enter politics and pursue careers in medicine and other fields. Her work in establishing the Adyar Cancer Institute and the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Chennai has had a lasting impact on cancer research and treatment in India. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1956 in recognition of her contributions to public service.
Conclusion
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy was a remarkable woman whose tireless work in healthcare, politics, and social reform made her a trailblazer for women’s rights in India. Her contributions to cancer research and treatment through the establishment of the Adyar Cancer Institute have had a lasting impact on healthcare in India. Dr Reddy’s legacy continues to inspire women and social reformers in India and around the world.
FAQs
Who was Muthulakshmi Reddy?
Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy was a pioneering Indian doctor, politician, feminist and social worker who made significant contributions to healthcare, politics and women’s rights in India.
What was Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy’s role in social reform?
Dr Reddy was a committed social reformer and feminist who worked tirelessly for women’s rights in India. She founded the Women’s Indian Association in 1927 and played a key role in the passage of the Devadasi Abolition Act in 1934, which aimed to eradicate the practice of dedicating young girls to temples as prostitutes.
What was Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy’s contribution to cancer research and treatment?
Dr Reddy founded the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai in 1954, which was one of the first cancer research and treatment centres in India. She also played a key role in establishing the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Chennai, which was dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and prevention.