MUTHULAKSHMI REDDY: A TRAILBLAZER IN SURGERY BY V.R. DEVIKA

-

BOOK NAME:  MUTHULAKSHMI REDDY: A TRAILBLAZER IN SURGERY AND WOMEN'S RIGHTS

AUTHOR NAME: V.R. DEVIKA

GENRE: NONFICTION - BIOGRAPHY

PUBLISHER: NIYOGI BOOKS

BOOK BUY LINK : https://www.amazon.in/Muthulakshmi-Reddy-Trailblazer-Surgery-Pioneers/dp/9391125670


BOOK COVER IMAGE:




BOOK REVIEW:

Being a medical professional, I have come across Dr. Muthulakshmi's story plenty of times before. But it's a pleasure reading about her every time, and I always discover a little more about her in every read. This book is a concise biography about the most important details of her life and her contributions to the field of medicine, social welfare, politics and women's rights.


Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy was the first woman to enter an all-boys school under the Maharaja's rule. She was also the first Indian woman to enter a medical college (Madras Medical College) and pursue surgery later. Coming from a community that was shunned and outcasted by others, in a time when women's rights did not even exist, she fought her way up to success. She, along with her sister, with the support of her father, fought not only for their own rights but also for others.


She relentlessly worked for the oppressed and against women's discrimination. She started the 'Avvai' home to provide shelter for women irrespective of caste and creed. She was also the first woman member of an Indian legislative house (Madras legislature), and she abolished the devadasi system and fought to increase the marital age of men and women. After ending her medical career, she dedicated herself to social causes and contributed to the welfare of women.


This book narrates her life journey from her birth until the end. Reading about her journey as a doctor and activist was refreshing and inspiring. The chapters were short and crisp and did not miss any significant details. This is a must-read for all.



MY REVIEW: 4.5/5

I am participating in Blogchatter's #TBRchallenge

#penbooksandscalpel


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHAPTER 1 - ALIZA AND AHMED

-
Image
Their eyes met for the second time in the day. Every time this happens, Aliza feels a ticklish sensation in her stomach. It's not that they have not been closer than just eye contact, but the jitters won't leave her alone. Her mother-in-law was busy scooping out the last few morsels of chicken from the bowl with a creaking noise that numbed Aliza's ears. Her father-in-law was lost in thoughts enjoying his chicken malai korma and tempered ghee rice.   ‘Aliza, can you get me some warm water?’ Aliza comes running with a jar of water to fulfil her new wife's duties, and Ahmed finds his moment just when Aliza is filling his tumbler and his parents are busy eating. He pokes her in the hip, which is faintly visible between her saree fold and her blouse. Aliza winces and moves behind quickly. She turns around to ensure no one has witnessed it and promptly returns to work, flashing a smile. Ahmed had to steal moments like these between daily activities because the house was alwa...
Read more

CHAPTER 4 - DISTANCE MATTERS

-
Image
'Congratulations on your promotion and transfer. We are looking forward to your full commitment to us. Do get back to this letter at the earliest with your answer.' Read the crafted piece of paper. Ahmed's parents were delighted and jumping with joy. They were chanting 'Alhamdulillah' fervently while Aliza stood confused. She could not make anything of this news because Ahmed's promotion meant everything to her. But his transfer would only mean that Aliza must stay back with her in-laws while he would visit only during weekends. She would happily do so, too, if not for her unsupportive mother-in-law. Aliza wanted to cry, and her eyes brimmed with tears that the world looked like a smudged canvas laying still in front of her. She looked at Ahmed pleadingly and waited until 10 to ask him if he really wanted to go. Asking in front of her in-laws would only mean the end of her good days. Ahmed did not look up because he knew what his transfer meant for both of them....
Read more

CHAPTER 2 - THE BACKSTORY - ALIZA

-
Image
  Aliza is the middle child of her family, with two older siblings and two younger ones. She did not always get her parents' attention because the oldest or the youngest sibling often stole it. She was mostly brought up by her oldest sister, Razia, who made sure she bathed, ate, and went to school on time. After Razia's marriage, her next older sibling Fahim brought home his wife, who had sworn to taunt Aliza all her life. Her younger twin siblings Samir and Ameera were at school, and they often stayed outdoors playing. So Aliza grew up to be the one taking care of her siblings while also managing to thrive herself. After finishing high school, she wanted to join college because her friends were also planning to, and they said studying in college will help a lot in the future. She was also the captain of her school's volleyball team and was a tough player. Aliza thought she could pursue her ambitions after school if she managed to convince her father. But her relatives had ...
Read more