Vishaka Rajagopala Chettiar

Pioneer of women's education and social reform in India through her leadership in the Indian National Congress and establishment of schools for marginalized communities

Dr. Vishaka Rajagopala Chettiar (1895-1983) was a visionary social reformer and educator whose work profoundly impacted women's rights and education in India. Born into a prominent Tamil Brahmin family, she broke societal norms by pursuing higher education at Madras Christian College. Her leadership in the Indian National Congress during the 1920s-1940s positioned her as one of the few women influencing national policy discussions.

Chettiar's most enduring legacy is the establishment of the Vishaka Educational Society in 1938, creating accessible schools for girls from Scheduled Castes and tribal communities. These institutions pioneered mid-day meal programs and health initiatives that became models for later government policies. She also co-founded the All India Women's Conference, advocating for women's suffrage and property rights.

In 1946, she became the first woman to chair a parliamentary committee, drafting recommendations that influenced India's first Five-Year Plan. Her advocacy for rural education led to the establishment of over 500 schools in Tamil Nadu alone. Chettiar's work is chronicled in Women's Movement in India and her philosophy remains relevant in contemporary education debates.