Pursuing their dreams - Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy

More than 130 years after Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy was born, her life and achievements were celebrated in Chennai to a packed auditorium. The enterprising woman behind this event was V.R.  Devika -- a storyteller, educationist, and cultural activist, and the venue was the Bharata Kalakshetra Koothambalam built by another trailblazer -- Rukmini Devi Arundale.

 

The release function of the book titled  Muthulakshmi Reddy – A Trailblazer in Surgery and Women's Rights, authored by V.R. Devika, was presented in three segments. The function was presided over by Padma Venkataraman (President,  WIA), Bharatanatyam exponent Narthaki Nataraj  and S. Balasubramanian (Chairman, City Union Bank Foundation). Each spoke warmly about the inspiration that Muthulakshmi Reddy has been for women over the generations. Padma Venkatraman added that Devika's engaging writing style had made it accessible to all readers. The way the history of Pudukkottai is woven into the story and the architectural marvels of some of its ancient temples make it an important resource. She stressed that Dr. Reddy was an iconic personality in Tamil Nadu's social history whose story must be shared with youth in schools and colleges nationwide.

It was evident from V.R. Devika's vote of thanks that people from all walks of life were instrumental in launching this meticulous and reader-friendly book. Devika says, "It was Dr. Reddy's disciple Dr. V. Shanta who urged me to write a new book on Muthulakshmi Reddy. I learnt more and more as I began to research and was able to get access to information about her mother. I deliberately decided to quote from Tamil works available on her rather than the academic tenure-driven studies on the theme. I needed to tell her story, and I have. I have cut it from a 70,000-word manuscript idea to 40,000 words to fit into the pioneers of the modern India monograph series format. I am very happy as I want young girls in government high schools and colleges to read it. It is accessible to them with its simple narration, I believe."

The two performance segments highlighted artists who have empowered themselves through art, bringing joy and culture to all segments of society. The first, Akkarai showcased young girls from the Katradi group Kalavai Koot road village, confidently performing with their counterparts from the city. They were trained in a workshop led by Sangeeta Isvaran, a well-known Bharatanatyam dancer and activist. The dancers had met, stayed together and not only shared their performance pieces but also discussed the challenges they face as young girls to live a life with dignity and respect. Many of the girls found solace in the skills taught to them, giving them purpose and financial stability. 'Akkarai', as the name suggests – the other side of the shore – is about a mutual exchange of ideas between dancers of the Koothu tradition and Bharatanatyam, enriching both in the process.

 The evening ended with Rajata-madhuram – the silver jubilee performance celebration of the Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation. Founded by  S. Premnath – an alumnus of Kalakshetra, it was heartening to see the high quality of students nurtured by Premnath over the last 25 years in North Chennai. Premnath's life purpose has been to make art accessible in an area which is almost a cultural abyss. V.R. Devika had taken Premnath under her wing, and her mentorship of over 20 years has played an intrinsic part in his artistic endeavours.

The evening was indeed inspiring. While highlighting the work of a pioneer and colossal figure in medicine and social work like Muthulakshmi Reddy, Devika also showcased members of the next generation continuing with their tireless efforts to share their art and create a happier world.

 ANJANA ANAND