This panel discussion will explore the life and time of Muthulakshmi Reddy, a pioneer of Modern India, who campaigned to get rid of the practice of wet nurses, fought for girls’ education and widow remarriage, equal property rights for women, education reform, and rural healthcare for women. She also had a successful career as a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics and founded the Cancer Institute in Adyar, Chennai, which has grown to be an iconic hospital for cancer treatment throughout Asia. Several of these themes are explored in the book “Muthulakshmi Reddy: A Trailblazer in Surgery and Women's Rights” by V.R. Devika, as part of the ‘Pioneers of Modern India Series’ by Niyogi Books.

The panel discussion will highlight the prevailing times when Muthulakshmi was growing up, working, and making an impact, to lay the ground for the audience to understand the situation in which she thrived and how we can learn from her today. It will also discuss, in specific, her contribution to medicine, jurisprudence and her enduring legacy. Tea, coffee and snacks will be served after the discussion.