Muthulakshmi Reddy: A Trailblazer in Surgery and Women's Rights (Series: Pioneers of Modern India)

Dr Muthulakshmi is not only maker of modern India, but also liberated women of the devadasi community. The book very nicely depicts her multi talented, compassionate but firm personality.

Muthulakshmi Reddy's life has been an inspirational one. This book captures her life well though it's bordering on hagiography. Her achievements in the field of Medicine, as a legislator and Social reformer has been brilliant. Her effort to build a Cancer Hospital has been captured beautifully in the book. The Institute is a wonderful tribute to all the things Muthulakshmi Reddi stood for. The Institute is one island of excellence in Chennai. Reddy, though is also accused of doing not much to the Devdasi community. She fought so much for the abolition of the Devadasi culture but she has been accused for not rehabilitating them and they were left to fend for themselves. I expected more light on this from this book.Overall good read.

Being a medical professional, I have come across Dr. Muthulakshmi's story plenty of times before. But it's a pleasure reading about her every time, and I always discover a little more about her in every read. This book is a concise biography about the most important details of her life and her contributions to the field of medicine, social welfare, politics and women's rights.Dr. MUTHULAKSHMI Reddy was the first woman to enter an all-boys school under the Maharaja's rule. She was also the first Indian woman to enter a medical college (Madras Medical College) and pursue surgery later. Coming from a community that was shunned and outcasted by others, in a time when women's rights did not even exist, she fought her way up to success. She, along with her sister, with the support of her father, fought not only for their own rights but also for others.She relentlessly worked for the oppressed and against women's discrimination. She started the 'Avvai' home to provide shelter for women irrespective of caste and creed. She was also the first woman member of an Indian legislative house (Madras legislature), and she abolished the devadasi system and fought to increase the marital age of men and women. After ending her medical career, she dedicated herself to social causes and contributed to the welfare of women.This book narrates her life journey from her birth until the end. Reading about her journey as a doctor and activist was refreshing and inspiring. The chapters were short and crisp and did not miss any significant details. This is a must-read for all.