Jothi was born in october 1917 in Rangoon. She was elected as an Indian National Congress candidate in 1962 election to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the Egmore constituency, and as an Indian National Congress candidate from Srirangam constituency in 1971 election. She served briefly in the C as a minister for prohibition and women's health. Cabinet Rajagopalachari from 10 October 1953 to 12 April 1954.She also served as the public health minister in K. Between 1962 and 1963, Kamaraj 's cabinet. She later served as Kerala Governor from 14 October 1977 to 26 October 1982.In 1974 Jothi Venkatachalam was awarded a 'Padma Shri' prize for her devoted public relations contribution.
She was killed in a road crash, and was later named after Atkinson Road in Chennai.