Lakshmi Sahgal

Lakshmi Sahgal

Lakshmi Sahgal (24 October 1914 – 23 July 2012) was a revolutionary Indian independence activist, officer of the Indian National Army, and the Minister of Women's Affairs in the Azad Hind government. Sahgal is remembered for her valiant role in the struggle for India's independence and her efforts to promote women's rights.

Early Life and Education

Lakshmi Sahgal was born as Lakshmi Swaminathan in Madras (now Chennai), to S. Swaminathan, a lawyer practicing criminal law in Madras High Court, and A.V. Ammukutty, a social worker and independence activist. She completed her MBBS degree in 1938 from Madras Medical College and later studied gynecology and obstetrics, earning a diploma in 1939.

Joining the Indian National Army

In 1940, Lakshmi Sahgal left for Singapore where, during World War II, she became involved with the Indian nationalist movement overseas. In 1943, she met Subhas Chandra Bose when he arrived in Singapore to galvanize the Indian community to join the struggle for India's independence. Inspired by Bose's call, she established the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-woman regiment within the Indian National Army (INA), aimed at fighting the British Raj. Sahgal was appointed as the Captain of the regiment, which was named after Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, a symbol of resistance against the British in the 1857 Rebellion.

Political Career and Later Life

After India's independence, Sahgal continued her medical practice and was involved in various social and political activities. She joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and was a founding member of the All India Democratic Women's Association. She ran for President of India in 2002 as the left parties' candidate but was defeated.

Lakshmi Sahgal's contributions to Indian society were not limited to her political activism; she also worked tirelessly for the rights of women, children, and the marginalized sections of society through her medical practice and social work.

Death and Legacy

Lakshmi Sahgal passed away on 23 July 2012, at the age of 97, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Her life and work continue to inspire generations of Indians, especially women, to fight for their rights and for the freedom and dignity of their country.

See Also

• Indian National Army
• Subhas Chandra Bose
• Indian independence movement
• Women in the Indian independence movement