My Experience as a Legislator published in 1930
Muthulakshmi Reddy was a freedom fighter. As a student of Madras Medical College from 1907-1912, she came into contact with Annie Besant. Later she met Gandhiji. She worked hard for the upliftment of women in India. Her immense contribution spans the political, medical as well as educational spheres. Muthulakshmi Reddy, the first woman legislator, was appointed to the Chennai Legislative Council in 1927. This nomination marked the beginning of her life-long effort to remove social abuses.
Muthulakshmi had many firsts to her recognition. She was the first girl 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, and the first woman Deputy President of the Legislative Council and the first Alderwoman of the Madras Corporation. Muthulakshmi Reddy continued to fight for her cause till the end of her days. Even at the age of 80, she was energetic and vibrant. Her human preoccupations took her away from politics and she stuck to her mission and Gandhian ways.
Muthulakshmi Reddy was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the President of India in 1956. Her two outstanding monumental gifts for humanity remain the Avvai Home (for children) and the Cancer Institute.