Muthulakshmi Reddi: ‘Hospital Day’ celebration on Cancer Institute’s founder’s birthday

Google today celebrates the 133^rd birthday of Dr Muthulakshmi Reddi, the eminent Indian medical practitioner and social reformer with an enigmatic doodle. She is highly honored as the first female legislator in India.

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.

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.

She also became the president of the All-India Women’s Conference. Although a challenging task, she successfully passed the bill for the suppression of brothels and immoral trafficking in children and women. A home for girls and women was opened through her efforts to provide shelter to those rescued from brothels. She also recommended to the government that the minimum age for marriage be raised to at least 21 for boys and 16 for girls.

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.

Dr Reddi was awarded Padma Bhushan by the government of India in 1956 in recognition of her meritorious services to the country. She never gave up her works till the end of her life and even at the age of 80, she was vibrant and energetic. 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. Google severely honors her for her numerous services to the nation on her 133^rd birthday.

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