Muthulakshmi Reddy (30 July 1886, Madras – 22 July 1968) was an eminent medical practitioner, social reformer and Padma Bhushan awardee in India. She was the first female legislator in India.
Muthulakshmi was appointed to the Madras Legislative Council in 1927. For her, this nomination marked the beginning of her lifelong effort to "correct the balance for women by removing social abuses and working for equality in moral standards. She was a women's activist and social reformer.
Muthulakshmi had many firsts to her recognition.
She 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.
Born: 30 July 1886, Pudukkottai
Died: 22 July 1968, Chennai
Education: Madras Medical College
Award: Padma Bhushan (1956)
Children: Dr.S.Krishnamurthi, Mr.S.Rammohan