INA Veteran Celebrates His Centenary with Tributes at National War Memorial
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Synopsis
Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhawan Pillai, a 99-year-old veteran of the Indian National Army, celebrated his 100th birthday by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in New Delhi, honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for India's freedom.
Key Takeaways
- Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhawan Pillai turned 100 on March 13.
- He laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
- The ceremony honored the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
- He joined the INA at the age of 18 in 1943.
- His life represents the spirit of unity and courage.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhawan Pillai, a 99-year-old veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Kartavya Path.
The Indian Army organized a special event at Kartavya Path for this occasion, attended by senior Armed Forces personnel and the public.
This ceremony served as a profound reminder of India’s enduring legacy of sacrifice and patriotism. An Army official stated that the wreath-laying ceremony not only commemorates the sacrifices of the brave individuals who fought for India’s freedom but also acts as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to overcome colonial legacies while honoring the spirit of their sacrifice.
On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Lieutenant Rangaswamy during the Parakram Diwas celebrations at the Red Fort.
Born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan Township of Rangoon District in Burma (present-day Myanmar), his father was from the 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 enlisted formally in the INA on November 1, 1943, at the age of 18.
After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer. Later, he worked in the Administrative Branch at the INA Headquarters in Rangoon under Major General K.P. Thimayya (the elder brother of General K.S. Thimayya).
As per the Army official, he was officially recognized as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August 1, 1980.
The Azad Hind Fauj was initially formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on October 21, 1943.
United by the powerful war cry of “Chalo Delhi”, the INA aimed to secure India’s complete independence from British rule. Soldiers, volunteers, and overseas Indians from regions as far as Malaya and Burma joined this extraordinary force.
Communal barriers faded in the face of a larger cause; women also found a powerful platform in the Rani of Jhansi Brigade, showcasing the INA’s vision for inclusivity and empowerment.
Lieutenant Madhawan’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the Indian National Army.
Decades ago, he braved the harsh 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 fueled India’s struggle for independence.
