New Delhi:
Google Doodle on Tuesday celebrated eminent medical practitioner, social reformer Muthulakshmi Reddi's birthday. Breaking the barriers Reddi became the first female legislator in the history of British India. Born on July 30, 1883 was appointed to the Madras Legislative Council in 1927. 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 Tamil Nadu government celebrates 'Hospital Day' this day every year. A statement issued by Tamil Nadu health ministry said doctors, nurses and other employees of government hospitals and primary health centres would be able to showcase their activities, new initiatives and achievements as part of the celebrations. "Funds have been allocated to every hospital," it said.
Who was Muthulakshmi Reddi?
She was nominated by Sakthi Hari Haran to the Madras Legislature as a member of the legislative council in 1926, and became the first woman to be a member of any legislature in India. When she was elected as the deputy chairperson of the legislative council, she became the first woman in the world to become the vice president of a legislature. In recognition of her service to her country, Dr Reddi was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1956.
