Steps will be taken for starting a Government Medical College at Pudukottai, utilising land available with the Animal Husbandry Department, said Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Friday.
Addressing a function after unveiling a life-size statue of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy on the campus of Thilagavathiar Tiruvarul Adheenam here, Mr. Stalin said he would soon hold discussions with the Health Minister and also the Chief Minister about the demand for the college. The district administration had mooted a proposal.
Mr. Stalin paid rich tributes to the selfless work by Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy. She had several firsts to her credit — first woman in Tamil Nadu to pursue higher education; first woman doctor in the country; first Member of the Legislative Council and so on. Mr. Stalin said that she worked hard for women's freedom, emancipation and self-respect. Realising her greatness, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi introduced the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Memorial Maternity Assistance Scheme in 1989.
SHG movement
Mr. Stalin said that the concept of self-help groups had become a movement in the State. It had created a sense of self-confidence among women.
He released a book, ‘Matharkula Manickam,' on the life of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy. The first copy was received by industrialist Nalli Kuppusamy Chetty. Mr. Stalin lauded the effort of the author, Dayananda Chandrasekaran, head of the Adheenam.
Former Union Minister S. Regupathy said that 250 acres was available with the Animal Husbandry Department and a part of it could be taken over for setting up a Government Medical College in the town.
Former Minister R. M. Veerappan, former Mayor of Tiruchi Sarubala R. Tondaiman, and A. Suganthi, District Collector, spoke
Courtesy: http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/31/stories/2010073163530500.htm
