Rijiju Pays Tribute to Captain Lakshmi Sahgal on Death Anniversary
Synopsis
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju paid homage to Captain Lakshmi Sahgal on her death anniversary on 23 July 2026, saluting her command of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment under Netaji Bose and her lifelong service as a physician.
Key Takeaways
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju posted a tribute to Captain Lakshmi Sahgal on her death anniversary, 23 July 2026 .
Captain Sahgal commanded the Rani of Jhansi Regiment , one of the first all-women combat units in South Asia, within the Indian National Army .
The Azad Hind Fauj was formed in 1942 by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose , with the Provisional Government of Free India declared in 1943 .
Captain Sahgal was also a physician who continued to serve patients until her final years, passing away in 2012 .
Senior BJP leaders have consistently honoured INA figures as part of a broader effort to diversify official memory of India's freedom struggle since 2014 .
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday, 23 July 2026, paid tribute to freedom fighter Captain Lakshmi Sahgal on her death anniversary, honouring her role as commander of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment in the Indian National Army (INA).
Context
Rijiju's post, written in Hindi, offered a respectful salute — 'saadar naman' (a respectful salute) — to Captain Sahgal, describing her as a 'great freedom fighter.' He noted that she played a 'pivotal role' in the INA's struggle while commanding the Rani of Jhansi Regiment under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He also highlighted her lifelong commitment to serving patients until her final moments, calling her life an 'inspiration for all of us.'
Captain Sahgal passed away in 2012. Her death anniversary on 23 July is observed annually by political leaders, veterans' groups, and historians who commemorate the INA's legacy.
Policy Backdrop
The Azad Hind Fauj, or Indian National Army, was formed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in 1942, with the Provisional Government of Free India declared in 1943. The Rani of Jhansi Regiment, which Captain Sahgal commanded, was among the first all-women combat units in South Asia, a distinction that has drawn sustained attention from military historians.
Captain Sahgal was not only a freedom fighter but also a physician who continued to serve patients in Kanpur well into her nineties. Her dual legacy — as a soldier and a doctor — has made her a recurring figure in public memory around India's independence narrative.
Stakeholders and Impact
Senior BJP leaders, including ministers and the Prime Minister, have consistently issued tributes to Netaji Bose and INA personnel on key anniversaries. This practice has intensified since 2014, with official commemorations, institutional renamings, and the inclusion of INA history in mainstream public discourse forming part of a deliberate effort to broaden the official memory of India's freedom struggle beyond the Congress-led movement.
Rijiju's tribute reflects this pattern, foregrounding armed resistance and the contributions of figures who operated outside the mainstream nationalist organisations. Veterans' groups and armed forces historians have broadly welcomed such recognitions.
What's Next
The 23 January birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose — observed as Parakram Diwas — remains the most prominent annual occasion for official INA commemorations, and parliamentary references or exhibitions on INA contributions are expected to continue around that date. Captain Sahgal's death anniversary on 23 July is increasingly becoming a secondary occasion for such tributes, signalling a gradual expansion of the official commemoration calendar around the INA's legacy.
Point of View
The party has sought to broaden the pantheon of recognised freedom fighters beyond those associated with the Congress-led movement. Captain Sahgal's dual identity as soldier and physician adds a particular resonance, allowing the tribute to speak to both nationalist and humanitarian registers simultaneously. As Parakram Diwas commemorations grow in scale, the 23 July death anniversary is emerging as a secondary but increasingly visible node in this expanding commemoration calendar.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Captain Lakshmi Sahgal?
Captain Lakshmi Sahgal was an Indian physician and freedom fighter who commanded the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the all-women combat unit of the Indian National Army led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. She passed away in 2012 and continued to serve patients as a doctor until her final years.
When did Captain Lakshmi Sahgal die?
Captain Lakshmi Sahgal passed away in 2012. Her death anniversary falls on 23 July each year and is observed by political leaders, historians, and veterans' groups across India.
What was the Rani of Jhansi Regiment?
The Rani of Jhansi Regiment was the all-women combat unit of the Indian National Army, formed under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the 1940s. It is considered one of the first women's combat units in South Asia, and Captain Lakshmi Sahgal served as its commander.
What did Kiren Rijiju say about Captain Lakshmi Sahgal?
Kiren Rijiju paid a respectful tribute to Captain Lakshmi Sahgal on her death anniversary, noting her pivotal role in the INA's struggle while commanding the Rani of Jhansi Regiment under Netaji Bose. He also highlighted her lifelong dedication to serving patients, calling her life an inspiration for all.
What is the Azad Hind Fauj?
The Azad Hind Fauj, also known as the Indian National Army, was formed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in 1942 to fight British colonial rule. The Provisional Government of Free India was declared in 1943, and the army notably included women combatants such as those in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
