Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi's 133rd Birthday: Google dedicates doodle to India's first Legislator

Google today celebrates the 133rd birthday of Dr Muthulakshmi Reddi, the eminent Indian medical practitioner and social reformer with an enigmatic doodle.

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. Search gain Google today celebrates the 133rd birthday of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi, the eminent Indian medical practitioner and social reformer with an enigmatic doodle.

Muthulakshmi Reddi was born in Tamil Nadu's Pudukottai on July 30, 1886. During those when the girls were facing many constraints in society, she was successfully able to complete her higher studies and admitted in the medical profession. She joined the Madras Medical College in 1907 by marking a brilliant academic record. She graduated in 1912 with several golden accolades and became 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.

Muthulakshmi Reddi went to England for performing higher studies after giving up her rewarding practice in medicine in response to a request from the Women's Indian Association (WIA) to enter the Madras Legislative Council. She also authored several social reforms. One of her notable books is 'My Experience as a Legislator' records her service. She was successful in passing legislation to establish a special hospital for women and children.

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.

Among varied initiatives of Muthulakshmi Reddi, one more notable is the commencement of Cancer Relief Fund. She is the also the founding leader of the Cancer Institute (WIA) aka Adyar Cancer Institute in Tamil Nadu's capital, Chennai. In 1974, the institute became the Regional Cancer Centre and declared as a 'Centre of Excellence' by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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

She died on July 22, 1968, eight days before completing 82. The government of Tamil Nadu has announced 'Hospital Day' celebrations to be held every year on her birthday, July 30.