The Indian Army made it memorable for Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhawan Pillai — one of the last surviving veterans of the Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauz, formed by nationalists in 1942 to take on British regime — by celebrating his 99th birthday on Thursday with a visit to the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Kartavya Path.
The wreath-laying ceremony not only honours the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom but also serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies while upholding the spirit of their sacrifice, said Indian Army officials.
Lieutenant Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan Township of Rangoon district in Burma (now Myanmar).
His father hailed from Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu. He initially joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose.
When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Singapore, Lt Madhawan formally enlisted in the INA on November 1, 1943, at the age of 18, his profile enumerated by Indian Army read.
After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer.
Later, he served in the Administrative Branch at the INA Headquarters in Rangoon under Major General KP Thimayya (elder brother of General KS Thimayya).
He was officially recognised as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August1, 1980.
On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated him on the occasion of the Parakram Diwas celebrations at Red Fort, New Delhi.
Lieutenant Madhawan’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the Indian National Army.
Decades ago, he braved the unforgiving terrain of the Northeast, carrying the aspirations of millions who longed for a free India.
Now, at the threshold of his centenary, his act of remembrance stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering resolve that fuelled India’s struggle for independence.
