- Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar: A social reformer who fought against the Devadasi system and actively participated in anti-Hindi agitations.
- Thillaiyadi Valliammai: A courageous freedom fighter who fought for human rights alongside Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.
- R. Priya: The youngest and first Dalit woman mayor of Chennai.
Arts, Literature, and Science
- M.S. Subbulakshmi: Renowned Carnatic vocalist, the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
- K.B. Sundarambal: Renowned actress and singer, known as the first Tamil film artist to command a salary of one lakh rupees.
- Karaikal Ammaiyar: One of the 63 Nayanmars, a 6th-century poet, and devotee of Shiva.
- Dr. V. Shanta: Renowned oncologist who transformed cancer treatment at the Adyar Cancer Institute.
Business and Activism
- Indra Nooyi: Former CEO of PepsiCo, born in Madras, and recognized as a global business leader.
- Kirthiga Reddy: Former Managing Director of Facebook India.
- Esther Shanthi: Social activist managing a burial ground in Chennai, known for fighting corruption.
- Manjula Krishnan: Animal activist dedicated to rescuing and feeding stray animals.
Other Notable Figures
- Lourduammal Simon: First woman minister from the Mukkuva community in the1957 Madras cabinet, instrumental in developing the fisheries sector.
- V.M. Kothainayaki Ammal: A pioneering Tamil novelist and freedom fighter who edited the magazine Jeganmohini.