Born in 1923, Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan lived through a century of change and became one of the most remarkable women in Malaysian history.

Her journey was not built on privilege or shortcuts. It was built on courage, service, and the refusal to accept limits placed on women.

Born in Port Dickson to a Sri Lankan Tamil family, she was the eldest of six children and received her education at St. Mary’s School. Like her mother, who was a trained Tamil school teacher, she entered the teaching profession and began serving society from a young age.

But her destiny reached far beyond the classroom.

In 1952, Devaki Krishnan created history when she became the first woman elected to public office in Malaysia after winning a seat on the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council.

At a time when many believed women should remain silent and unseen, she stepped forward, spoke up, and won.

For Indian women especially, her victory was more than political success. It was proof that women from their community could lead, influence policy, and stand shoulder to shoulder with men in nation-building.

Her mission was always people.

She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women, families, and the underprivileged in Kuala Lumpur. During the tragic May 13 Incident, she served at the medical clinic in Stadium Merdeka, helping riot victims and those left homeless.

When others stepped back during crisis, she stepped forward.

She also dedicated herself to many welfare organisations, including women’s rights groups and social service bodies. One of her lasting contributions was helping push for the Guardianship Act, which gave single women legal rights over their children, a powerful victory for mothers and women across the country.

She was also a wife, mother, grandmother, and a woman who balanced family life while serving the nation.

Her grandson, Ramanan Ramakrishnan, continues the family tradition of public service, showing that her legacy did not end with her.

Throughout her life, she received many honours, including national recognition that made her the first Malaysian Sri Lankan woman to receive the title of Tan Sri.

When she passed away in January 2024, Malaysia did not just lose a leader. It lost a symbol of strength and progress.

To every woman reading this:

You come from a lineage of powerful women. You are not limited by society’s expectations.

You can lead, achieve, and change lives. You can carry tradition and still break barriers.

Tan Sri Devaki Krishnan walked so many women could run. Her story is not just history. It is a reminder of what Indian women are capable of when they believe in themselves.

In addition, she is also the first Malaysian Indian woman to be conferred the Panglima Setia Mahkota entitling her to use the title, Tan Sri.


Source: Astro Awani , The Rakyat Post
Photo source: Malaysia Book of Records