Lakshmi Sahgal

Captain Lakshmi Sahgal (or Sehgal) (born October 24, 1914) served in the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauz) led by noted freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, during the Second World War against the British in the early and mid 20th century.

She was born as Lakshmi Swaminadhan, daughter of Dr S Swaminadhan, a leading lawyer practising Criminal Law at Madras High Court (now Chennai). Her mother was A V Ammukutty, a social worker and freedom fighter.

She decided to study medicine because she wanted to be of service to the poor, especially to poor women. As a result, she received an MBBS degree from Madras Medical College in 1938. A year later, she received her diploma in gynaecology and obstetrics.

In 1940, she left for Singapore where she established a clinic for the poor mostly migrant labour from India. She was not only a competent doctor but also played an active role in the India Independence League which contributed greatly to the freedom movement in India. In 1942 during the historic surrender of Singapore by the British to the Japanese, she worked hard in serving the Prisoners of war who were hurt during the skirmishes. In the process she came in contact with many Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) who were thinking of forming a Indian army of liberation.

Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Singapore on July 2, 1943. In the next few days, at all his public meetings, Netaji spoke of his determination to raise a women's regiment, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, which would also "fight for Indian Independence and make it complete".

Lakshmi, was given the rank of Colonel. She was active both militarily and on the medical front. She played a heroic role not only in the fighting but during the days that INA personnel were hunted by the victorious British troops and saved many lives. She was captured and brought to India on March 4, 1946 where she received a heroine's welcome. The British realised that keeping her a prisoner would prove counter-productive and she was later released.

Colonel Prem Kumar Sahgal was among those who were released from the Red Fort. In March 1947, Colonel Sahgal and Captain Lakshmi were married in Lahore. (Colonel Sahgal was the son of Justice Achhru Ram Sahgal) After their marriage, they settled down in Kanpur. In Kanpur she carried on with her medical profession and served the refugees who were arriving in large numbers during the partition.

In 1998, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the President of India. She afterwards attempted to run for the Presidency against Abdul Kalam, but was defeated.