Healthcare
Madras Icon Spotlight
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi
Pioneering Physician, Social Reformer & Founder of Adyar Cancer Institute
Remarkable Achievement
First woman medical graduate in India and founder of the renowned Cancer Institute at Adyar.
Connection to Chennai
Graduated from Madras Medical College, served on the Madras Legislative Council, and founded Avvai Home and the Cancer Institute at Adyar.
Story & Journey
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddi (1886–1968) was an extraordinary medical pioneer, social reformer, and legislator who transformed the social and healthcare landscape of Madras and India.
Overcoming immense societal orthodoxies, she entered Madras Medical College in 1907, graduating with top honors in 1912 as the first female medical graduate in British India. She subsequently served as the first woman House Surgeon in the Government Maternity Hospital in Madras and pursued advanced surgical studies in London.
In 1926, she was nominated to the Madras Legislative Council, becoming the first female legislator in India. In this historic role, she championed landmark progressive legislation including the abolition of the Devadasi system, the raising of the age of consent for marriage, and measures against the trafficking of women. She established the legendary Avvai Home in Adyar to shelter, educate, and empower destitute girls.
Moved by the painful death of her young sister to cancer, Dr. Muthulakshmi dedicated her later life to creating specialized oncological care in South India. In 1954, through tireless fundraising and community mobilization, she established the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Adyar. For her visionary national service, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956.
Overcoming immense societal orthodoxies, she entered Madras Medical College in 1907, graduating with top honors in 1912 as the first female medical graduate in British India. She subsequently served as the first woman House Surgeon in the Government Maternity Hospital in Madras and pursued advanced surgical studies in London.
In 1926, she was nominated to the Madras Legislative Council, becoming the first female legislator in India. In this historic role, she championed landmark progressive legislation including the abolition of the Devadasi system, the raising of the age of consent for marriage, and measures against the trafficking of women. She established the legendary Avvai Home in Adyar to shelter, educate, and empower destitute girls.
Moved by the painful death of her young sister to cancer, Dr. Muthulakshmi dedicated her later life to creating specialized oncological care in South India. In 1954, through tireless fundraising and community mobilization, she established the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Adyar. For her visionary national service, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1956.
Key Milestones
- First female medical graduate from Madras Medical College (1912)
- First female legislator in India (Madras Legislative Council)
- Pioneered the founding of the Cancer Institute (WIA) in Adyar
- Established Avvai Home in Adyar for the welfare of women and orphans
Honors & Awards
- Padma Bhushan (1956)
- Kaiser-i-Hind Gold Medal
Know another Madras Icon?
Help us discover more remarkable people connected to Chennai.
