The land on which the house sits belongs to the Truvannamalai Sri Arunochaveswarar. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sitting between the big trees of Tamarind and the piles of clay is a building with a strike at Besant Avenue in Adyar, in which Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, the first woman from India to undergo medicine and strength to establish Adyar Cancer Institute (WIA), 1936.
The land on which it sits belongs to the temple of Tiruvannamalai sri Arunochaveswarar. The country had no folded wall or safety for such a large place, and when this reporter visited the place, someone ripped Tamarind from the tree.
“Water stagnates during the rain and the place is infested with insects and snakes. There were men’s incidents between the trees. It should be cleaned and steps should be taken to ensure some lighting,” said Ananth, locals.
VR Devika, who wrote a book about Dr. Reddy, she said the doctor was the first legislative woman in British India. She took the ground from the temple of ArunaChaleswarar on rent to build the Avvai house and other land adjacent from the temple to build a home for his family. So many girls who studied at home became sisters and teachers. “In 1942, when some of the soldiers who were camping near the Adyar River tried to bother, there was a vigil with a large wand in their hands. Then she went to the local British commander and told him to hold him responsible if something happens to girls.
Senior defense counsel NL Rajah explained that justice M. Dhandapani “was kind enough to grant the prayer of the Avvai house for girls and cancer institute (WIA), Adyar” to maintain the house in which Dr. Reddy lived on the ground belonging to the temple and was already handed over. Work will be received by means of funds from the Institute.
The temple and enthusiast of Padmapriya Baskaran said that the house can be restored to the memorial as a testimony to Dr. Reddy girls and women. It is August and the upcoming day of Madras would be great if the restoration began soon, she added.
Sources in the Home and the Avvai Institute said they were prepared for the reconstruction of the building. “We need access to the structure. We have written to the temple authorities who were looking for permission. Once it is obtained, we can continue to work. We would like to use the building well. We may have free dispensin, library or provide some training for women.”
Minister of Hindu religious and charity Foundations PK Sekarbab assured that he would soon check the place. “The government headed by the main Minister of MK Stalin has taken steps to protect the acre of land belonging to the temples. This country will be properly used,” he said.
Published – 6. August 2025 12:57 IS
