Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy was a pioneering Indian medical practitioner, social reformer, and freedom fighter who worked tirelessly for women’s rights and social justice. She was born on 30 July 1886 in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu. She broke many social barriers at a time when women’s education was strongly discouraged.
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy became the first Indian woman to earn a medical degree and later the first woman member of the Madras Legislative Council. She used her position to fight against social evils such as child marriage, devadasi system, and discrimination against women. Her efforts played a major role in the legal abolition of the devadasi system.
She strongly believed that education and healthcare were essential for women’s empowerment. To support orphaned and destitute girls, she founded the Avvai Home in Chennai, which provided shelter, education, and care. She also worked to improve medical facilities for women and children and promoted public health awareness.
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy was actively involved in the Indian freedom movement and supported Gandhian ideals. In recognition of her outstanding service to society, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956.
She passed away on 22 July 1968. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy is remembered as a trailblazer who dedicated her life to equality, compassion, and the upliftment of women in India.