Lakshmi Sahgal

Captain Lakshmi Sahgal (or Sehgal) (born October 24, 1914) served in the Indian National Army (AZAD HIND FAUJ) led by noted fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, during the independence struggle 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 Crminal 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 the MBBS degree from Madras Medical College in l938. 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 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.