Outstanding Indian woman of her time | Dr. Muthu Lakshmi Reddy | డా.ముత్తులక్ష్మీ రెడ్డి (1886-1968)

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy (1886–1968) was a trailblazing doctor, social reformer, and the first woman legislator in India. She broke societal barriers by becoming the first female medical graduate from Madras Medical College and later fought for women’s rights and healthcare reforms. As a legislator, she played a key role in abolishing the Devadasi system and improving maternity care. She founded the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Adyar, Chennai (1954) and established Avvai Home to support destitute women and girls. A strong advocate for women’s education, she also helped raise the legal age of marriage for girls. She was a key figure in the Women’s Indian Association (WIA) and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi during the independence movement. Her contributions led to the establishment of the Government Children’s Hospital in Chennai. For her lifelong service, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956. A true pioneer, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy’s legacy continues to inspire generations through her contributions to social justice and healthcare.