Dr. K. Radhabai born on 30^th May, 1960 in Usilampatti, Madurai District, a place of high rate for female infanticide. She is visually impaired and credits her father V. Krishnamoorthy, a Tamil Teacher for encouraging her to deal with visual impairment in a positive way. 

She moved to Chennai in 1969 and studied in school for visually impaired in class 4 and 5. She completed her SSLC in 1977 at the age of 17; stood first in her class. She joined PUC in Seethalakshmi Ramasamy College of Arts and Science and came first in the class of 104 students. She was helped by her Principal to complete BA degree in history. After securing 2^nd rank in MA history she did her doctoral studies (Ph.D) from Bharathidasan University in 1991. She was the first impaired lady to be awarded Ph.D., in South India. 

She joined as Assistant Lecturer in Government Arts & Science College for women, Pudukottai in 1994 and later became Head of Department and retired in 2018. In spite of being impaired she has been very successful in her academic positions she held over 24 years.

She has participated in many international seminars and conferences mainly relating to Motivating and Preparing Blind Women for Leadership role, Empowerment of Women and Changing Trends in India. She has penned many publications which include poems in Tamil and articles on blindness. She also authored An Introduction to Visual Impairment– a text book for student for special education. She has also written many articles in magazines and journals.