Muthulakshmi Reddi’s 133rd Birthday

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Bangalore-based guest artist Archana Sreenivasan, celebrates the Indian educator, lawmaker, surgeon, and reformer Muthulakshmi Reddi. Constantly breaking down barriers throughout her life, Reddi was a trailblazer who devoted herself to public health and the battle against gender inequality, transforming the lives of countless people—especially young girls.

Born on this day in 1883 in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Reddi became the first female student admitted to prestigious Indian institutions, the first woman to work as a surgeon in a government hospital, and the first female legislator in the history of British India.

As a young girl, Reddi resisted her parents’ plan for an early arranged marriage, convincing them she deserved an education. After passing her exams, she attended Maharaja College, formerly an all-boys school. Despite threats of students pulling out from the school, she won a scholarship, graduated with honors, and went on to be the first female student at Madras Medical College.

Reddi later gave up her medical practice to join the Madras Legislative Council, where she worked to raise the legal age of marriage and combatted exploitation of girls.

In 1914, she married a doctor named Sundara Reddi on the understanding that he treat her as an equal. Working for the upliftment of women and battling gender inequality, she supported Gandhi’s efforts for Indian independence.

After losing a sister to cancer, she launched the Adayar Cancer Institute in 1954. One of the most respected oncology centers in the world, it treats some 80,000 patients each year. In recognition of her service to her country, in 1956, Reddi was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India.

Guest Artist Q&A with Archana Sreenivasan

Today's Doodle was created by Bangalore-based guest artist Archana Sreenivasan. Below she shares her thoughts on the making of the Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A: I live in the southern part of India in Bangalore, which is not too from Madras (now Chennai) where Dr. Muthulaksmi lived and worked. And yet, I didn't know about her and her many accomplishments. It was fascinating to learn about her and her family.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: I was excited to have the opportunity to create a Google Doodle! When I got the brief for
Dr. Muthulakshmi, and read the long list of her accomplishments, I was keen to learn more about her.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: The main inspiration for this Doodle was Dr. Muthulakshmi herself. I tried to let a sense of her energy, determination, and clarity shape this Doodle.

Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: To me, this Doodle is a celebration of the spirit of belief in oneself and in others. Maybe this spirit is something we need now more than ever.

Early concepts by guest artist Archana Sreenivasan