A doyen in the field of education, Mathaji Chellammal as she is still known to many, had spent more than 62 years of her life for the cause of education. A strict disciplinarian, who made every child understand the importance of duties and rights, along with a sense of responsibility. Mathaji Chellammal excelled in any task she was associated with whether it was teaching, social service or administration. From 1940 to 1969, as the headmistress of Lady Sivaswami Ayyar Girls Higher Secondary School, Mathaji Chellammal ensured offering the children a holistic education where personality and character developed.