Home of India’s First Female Doctor Muthulakshmi Reddy Falls Into Ruin

Quick Summary

• A dilapidated building on Besant Avenue in Adyar, Chennai, served as the residence of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, India’s frist female medical graduate and social reformer.
• The property sits on land owned by the Tiruvannamalai Sri Arunachaleswarar temple.
• local residents report safety concerns including water stagnation, pests, and lack of security for the area surrounding the house.
• Author V.R.Devika highlighted Dr. Reddy’s contributions to women’s welfare and urged restoration of the structure due to its ancient importance.
• Justice M. Dhandapani has allowed Avvai Home for Girls and Cancer Institute (W.I.A.), institutions connected to Dr. Reddy’s work, to maintain the property using their funds post-permission from temple authorities.
• padmapriya Baskaran suggested converting the house into a public memorial honoring Dr.Reddy’s contributions ahead of Madras Day festivities in August.
• The Avvai Home is exploring potential uses for the restored building such as a dispensary or training center for women but awaits approval from temple authorities.
• Minister P.K Sekarbabu assured steps would be taken soon while noting government efforts to safeguard temple lands.

Indian Opinion Analysis
Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy’s residence represents an opportunity not only to preserve a significant piece of India’s socio-historical legacy but also to promote community services aligned with her pioneering vision for women’s welfare and education. While legal progress on reclaiming rights over historically significant properties tied up in institutional ownership is encouraging, cooperation between stakeholders like heritage enthusiasts, temple authorities, and government officials will be critical in advancing this initiative effectively.

The proposed possibilities-the creation of a memorial or a utilitarian facility like dispensaries-underscore how historical preservation can integrate contemporary social needs without compromising its cultural narrative value.Read More