The Incredible Story of India's Revolutionary Feminist: Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy (1886-1968)

Abstract

The term 'trailblazer' is often used casually nowadays, but in the early twentieth century, there was a woman who epitomized it by shattering barriers at every turn. Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy who holds many firsts to her name was an outstanding Indian woman of her time. She was an eminent medical practitioner who wore multiple hats throughout her life as an educator, a lawmaker, and a social reformer. She sacrificed her lifetime for women's upliftment and children especially the underprivileged. She played a pivotal role in establishing one of India's largest cancer institutes as a 'mission' to provide treatment among all sections of people regardless of their socio-economic background. The main purpose of this article is to highlight the indisputable contribution of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy in the fields of medicine, education, law, and much more.

Keywords: educator; historical vignette; lawmaker; medical practitioner; social reformer.

Figure 1. Muthulakshmi Reddy while taking private lessons

Credit: Adyar Cancer Institute Archives Permission obtained from Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai

Figure 2. Muthulakshmi Reddy, the medical student

Credit: Adyar Cancer Institute Archives Permission obtained from Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai