Mrs.Tara Cherian, India's first woman to adorn the prestigious Mayoral post of Madras Municipal Corporation, Madras Presidency

Tara Cherian, India's first woman Mayor of Madras.thehindu.com

Early Life and Education

Tara Cherian, born in May 1913 in Madras (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu), hailed from a well-disciplined Christian family with roots in Kerala.  Her father, the late Mr. D. I. Jesudasen, was Postmaster-General of Madras.   After completing her education at Madras University, she dedicated herself to social service. She became actively involved in the Guild of Service, an organization committed to social welfare. Her leadership abilities were quickly recognized, and by the age of 35, she became the chairman of the Guild, a position where she made a significant impact through her passion and dedication.

.Madras Mayor Mrs. Tara Cherian 1957 madrasmusings.com

First Woman Mayor of Madras

Though Madras has had lady Ministers and a lady Sheriff in the past, it was in November, 1957  for the  first time a prominent woman was  called upon to be the first citizen of Madras, one of the old cities founded by the East India Company on the Coromandel Coast (SE coast).  Mrs. Tara Cherian made history by becoming the first woman Mayor of Madras, the oldest municipal corporation in India established by the EIC during the colonial period.. At a time when politics was still largely a male-dominated field, her election to this office marked a significant breakthrough for women in Indian public life. Although her tenure was short, she achieved considerable progress in improving civic administration and addressing the challenges facing the growing city.  Her husband had held the same post 6 years ago and obviously, it is the first time in India the  municipal corporation had elected both husband and wife to adorn the Mayoral post

Foundation: 

The Madras Municipal Corporation, a civic body, was first established as the first municipal corporation in India, under a royal charter issued by King James II on December 30, 1687. It was  inaugurated on September 29, 1688, with the power to decide petty cases, levy rates for public works, and manage the affairs of the city. In the early period,  the corporation was modeled after the Dutch government in the East Indies, with a mayor, aldermen, and burgesses. Sir Josiah Child, a director of the East India Company, played a crucial role in its formation. Mr. Nathaniel Higginson was the first Mayor of  the Corporation. 

Chennai (madras) Corporation building,en.wikipedia.org/ 

Above image Chennai Corporation (previously Madras Corporation) building. Built in 1913in Neo-Classical style with Corinthian columns, the Rippon building (named after Lord Rippon, Gov. Gen. of India and father of Local Govt.) has been  serving as the corporation of Chennai. The architect was GTS Harris. The Madras corporation, with no permanent building, served in several places,including Errabalu Chetty Street and finally moved over to the permanent building in 1913 (foundation was laid in December, 1909).................

Focus on Slum Development

Being a woman of compassion, Tara Cherian's mayoral term was characterized by her concern for the rapid development of slums in Madras. With an influx of people from surrounding districts in search of job opportunities, the population went up, but many areas lacked basic amenities such as sanitation, potable water and electricity. She worked to raise awareness about the living conditions in these slums, famously stating, ''The slums are the black spots of Madras." Her focus on urban poor welfare set a precedent for future city planning and administration.

Introduction of the Midday Meals Scheme

One of Tara Cherian’s most notable contribution  was the introduction of the Midday Meals Scheme under the auspices of the Guild of Service. This program aimed to provide free lunches to needy students, benefiting around 25,000 children. Launched in 1958 with the support of T.T. Krishnamachari, a Union Minister, the scheme significantly improved nutrition and educational outcomes for many poor children in Madras. The program was later introduced in Maharashtra when her husband served as Governor of the state. This mid-day meals scheme was followed and further popularized by  Chief Minister  and former popular movie idol of Tamil Nadu Late M.G. Ramachandran in the 1970s

Leadership in Public Service

Tara Cherian’s contributions extended beyond her role as Mayor. She held leadership positions in various public sector organizations, including Indian Airlines and Life Insurance Corporation. She also served as the chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Government Welfare Board during the 1970s. Her commitment to social welfare, particularly for children and physically challenged individuals, remained central to her life's work.

Personal Life and Legacy

Women in leadeshipin.pinterest.com/

Tara Cherian was married to Dr. P.V. Cherian, a prominent E.N.T surgeon and the first Indian Surgeon General of undivided Madras Presidency. He  also served as the Chairman of the Madras Legislative Council. The couple shared a deep commitment to public service, both serving as Mayors of Madras. Tara Cherian was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1967 for her contributions to society. She passed away on November 7, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering leadership and social reform. If  I remember correctly her sister happened to be the wife of popular Vice Chancellor of Annamalai University, TN Dr. Aadi Narayana. 

Based on --

https://www.navrangindia.in/2015/08/mrstara-cherian-independentt-indias.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_Cherian

http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/2000/11/15/stories/13150461.htm

https://www.madrasmusings.com/vol-31-no-24/when-chennai-got-its-first-woman-mayor