Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy was born in the state of Pudukottai on 1886. She was born for Mr. S.Narayanasami and Mrs.Chandrammal.
In earlier days girls are meant for cooking and taking care of family. Girls were not sent to schools/Colleges. But Narayamasami broke the practice and sent his daughter to the school. Muthu Lakshmi was also very much interested in studies. Due to her interest her teachers showed some special in teaching Muthulakshmi beyond her academic. She was shined as a brilliant student.
During her puberty she was asked to leave the school. However she continued her studies from home. Successfully she completed her higher schooling.
Muthulakshmi Reddy’s mother was searching bridegroom for her. But Muthulakshmi refused to marry. She hated treating women as a slave in the name of marriage. She wanted to be a different from other women in the society.
After her schooling she applied for higher education in Maharaja College. But her application was rejected for two reasons 1. Gender – Mahraja college principal thought she might demoralise men students 2. Community - Her father belonged to Brahman and her mother belonged to other caste. But Maharaja of Pudukottai accepted her admission and he gave the scholarship.
Muthulakshmi met Sarojini Naidu (Nightingale of India) during her college days and she felt happy that someone there to share the same thought s like her.
Narayanasami wanted Muthulakshmi to become the Teacher but she was very much interested to continue her studies hence she opted medical stream and she joined in Madras Medical College. She completed her graduation on 1912. She joined as House surgeon in Government Hospital for Women and Childern. She is the first Tamil and Indian women doctor in India.
Muthulakshmi Reddy married Dr. D.T Sandara Reddy with a condition “Always respect me equal and never cross my wishes”. She married on 1914 at the age of 28 Years in accordance with the 1872 Native Marriage Act.
She went to England to continue her studies further. In request from Women Indian Association she gave medical practice and she started doing the social service.
In 1926 she was nominated as a member of council and become the first women member of legislative in India. Later she was elected as a deputy chairman of legislative council and then she became the first vice president women of the legislative council in the world.
In 1930 she founded AVVAI HOME for destitute women and orphans in Adyar, Chennai.
She became first chair person for state social welfare board. While she president of Women Indian Association she passed a bill for suppression of brotherls and immoral trafficking in women and children.
Muthulakshmi started the CANCER INSITUTE in Adyar, Chennai (ADYAR CANCER INSTITUTE) and in 1952 the foundation was laid by Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru. In1954 hospital started functioning.She was awarded Padma Bhushan on 1956.
Sher is the author of the book called “My experience as Legislative”. She wrote all her experience in the book.
In 1968 June 22nd her services came to end but still she is living and servicing to many in the form “ Avvai Home” and “Adyar Cancer Institute”.
