Muthulakshmi Reddi: All About The First Female Legislator In India

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi was the first female legislator in India as well as a social reformer, medical practitioner, and Padma Bhushan awardee in the year 1956. Muthulakshmi was one of the women pioneers who stood for the cause of liberating India from the British.

Muthulakshmi Reddi was born in the princely state of Pudukottai of Tamil Nadu. She completed her higher education, and in the year 1907, she joined the Madras Medical College. Muthulakshmi graduated in 1912 to become one of the first woman doctors in India. Soon thereafter, she came under the influence of Annie Besant, and then of Mahatma Gandhi. During her college years, Muthulakshmi met Sarojini Naidu and began to attend women's meetings.

In 1914, when she was twenty-eight years of age, she married Dr. Sundara in accordance with the 1872 Native Marriage Act.

Muthulakshmi was appointed to the Madras Legislative Council in 1927. She was one of the women pioneers who stood for the cause of liberating India from the British. She was a women's activist and social reformer.

Muthulakshm was the first female student to be admitted into a men's college, the first woman House Surgeon in the Government Maternity and Ophthalmic Hospital, the first woman legislator in British India, the first Chairperson of the State Social Welfare Advisory Board, the first woman Deputy President of the Legislative Council, and the first Alderwoman of the Madras Corporation Avvai Home.

In recognition of her meritorious services to the nation, The Government of India conferred on her Padma Bhushan in 1956.

Muthulakshm started a hospital for cancer patients in the year 1952 which was only the second of its kind in India.

Today on July 30, the nation is celebrating her 133rd birth anniversary. Happy Birthday, Muthulakshmi Reddi!