Reviews
"An important contribution to the history of dance, medicine, and feminism for the general reader. An interesting and touching book!"
Eero Hameenniemi,
celebrated Finnish music
composer and auhor
"This inspiring book is good for giving as prizes and as a motivational gift."
Mala Pandurang
Principal, Dr BMN College, Mumbai
"A story that had to be told the way the author has done -- simple, straight, informative, and just the right size. All libraries out to get this -- so too all educational institutions."
Narayani Ganesh
VR Devika writes a magnificent tale of a woman born in the devadasi community, who is indeed a trailblazer (as the title promises) across several journeys — including the first woman to become a surgeon to an activist for women rights, to battle a conservative patriarchy, and to join and walk along with thinkers and leaders such as Gandhi and Annie Besant.
Gagandeep Singh | Medium.com
A cultural activist herself, Devika describes Muthulakshmi’s foray into creating a secure space for Devadasis who were looked down upon by a conservative society. Avvai Home in Adyar was established first as an educational institution for Devadasis. The well-researched book reveals a slew of facts mostly forgotten, profiling her tireless work in fighting the caste system, detonating prejudices that surround a woman in a male-dominated society.
Sabita Radhakrishna | The Hindu
I would like to congratulate and thank the author Dr.V.R. Devika for educating us all continuously and passionately on Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy. Equipping yourself with this book will help you gain clarity and perspective on some crucial events that are a part of classical dance history. It will also aid you in learning deeply about this towering personality. It was a thorough pleasure to read and write about this book!
Srinivasaraghavan NC | Nartaki.com