Lakshmi Sahgal

In the heart of India’s freedom struggle, where many men stood tall, a few fearless women carved out an unforgettable legacy. One such name is Captain Lakshmi Sahgal—doctor, revolutionary, and the courageous commander of the Rani Jhansi Regiment under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Lakshmi Sahgal was born on October 24, 1914, in Madras (now Chennai). She was originally named Lakshmi Swaminathan. Her father, S. Swaminathan, was a well-known criminal lawyer, and her mother, Ammu Swaminathan, was a social worker and independence activist. This environment of social justice and nationalism greatly influenced young Lakshmi.

She was bright in studies and completed her MBBS degree from Madras Medical College in 1938. Later, she specialized in gynecology and obstetrics. From the very beginning, Lakshmi wanted to serve the poor and fight injustice. After completing her studies, she moved to Singapore in 1940, where her real journey as a freedom fighter began.

Singapore and the Birth of a Revolutionary

In Singapore, Lakshmi started working at a hospital and began treating poor Indian migrant workers, many of whom were affected by war and poverty. During this time, the Japanese army invaded Singapore in 1942 and defeated the British. The Indian prisoners of war were handed over to the Indian Independence League (IIL), which was working to fight British colonialism with the support of Japan.

It was in Singapore that Lakshmi met members of the Indian National Army (INA) and the charismatic leader Subhas Chandra Bose, popularly known as Netaji. She was deeply impressed by Netaji’s dream of freeing India from British rule with the help of an armed revolution.

The Formation of the Rani Jhansi Regiment

One of the most revolutionary ideas Netaji had was the formation of a women’s regiment in the INA. He believed that women, just like men, had an equal right to fight for their country’s freedom.

Lakshmi Sahgal came forward to lead this bold initiative. In 1943, she was appointed the Captain of the Rani Jhansi Regiment, named after the legendary queen Rani Lakshmi Bai, who fought the British in the 1857 revolt. This was a historic moment—for the first time, an all-women’s military unit was formed to fight for India's freedom.

Life in the Rani Jhansi Regiment

The Rani Jhansi Regiment was made up of young women, many of them between the ages of 16 to 30, from different parts of Southeast Asia. These women received military training, learned to handle rifles, practice marching, and participated in war drills.

Captain Lakshmi was not just a figurehead; she actively trained her soldiers, treated the wounded, and motivated her troops. She became a symbol of courage and leadership. The regiment worked alongside the rest of the INA and moved through Burma (now Myanmar) during campaigns to reach Indian soil.

Though the INA could not win militarily and was later forced to retreat due to the Japanese defeat in World War II, the spirit and bravery of the Rani Jhansi Regiment inspired the entire nation.

Arrest and Return to India

After the defeat of the INA in 1945, Captain Lakshmi was captured by the British and imprisoned in Burma. She was later brought back to India and kept under house arrest in the Lal Quila (Red Fort) in Delhi. However, by then, the stories of the INA had already spread across India. The British were fearful of a revolt and eventually had to release many INA members due to public pressure.

Captain Lakshmi returned to a newly awakening India, where the people saw her as a national hero. She had not only fought for the country’s freedom but had broken traditional gender roles in a time when women were rarely seen in leadership positions.

Life After Independence: From Freedom Fighter to Social Worker

After India gained independence in 1947, Lakshmi Sahgal married Prem Kumar Sahgal, a fellow INA officer. The couple settled in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where Lakshmi began practicing medicine again—this time focusing on treating the poor and marginalized.

She became deeply involved in social causes, working to improve the condition of women, laborers, and slum dwellers. In 1971, she joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and became a key member of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA).

Whether it was the Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims in 1984, the victims of the anti-Sikh riots, or refugees from Bangladesh, Lakshmi Sahgal was always present on the ground, offering help with her medical skills and activism.

Presidential Candidate and National Icon

In 2002, at the age of 88, Lakshmi Sahgal was nominated as the presidential candidate of India by the Left parties. She ran against Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Although she did not win, her nomination was a tribute to her lifelong service to the nation and her unwavering principles.

She never craved fame or power; her goal was always the welfare of the people and the dignity of women. Her calm yet determined presence made her a respected voice in Indian politics and society.

Legacy of Captain Lakshmi Sahgal

Captain Lakshmi Sahgal passed away on July 23, 2012, at the age of 97, in Kanpur. But her legacy lives on in multiple ways:

• She inspired generations of women to step into leadership roles in the military, politics, and social service.

• She proved that freedom is not just won on the battlefield but also through service and justice.

• Her life showed that being a patriot means lifelong dedication—not just during wartime but every day, in helping others and standing for what is right.

Even today, her name is remembered with pride in Indian military history. Schools, colleges, and women’s organizations across the country celebrate her courage and contributions.

Why Lakshmi Sahgal Matters Today

In today’s world, where women still fight for equal rights and representation, Lakshmi Sahgal stands as a beacon of strength and determination. She dared to lead when it was unthinkable. She healed when others were harmed. She fought not only the British but also poverty, discrimination, and injustice.

Her story reminds us that heroes are not born—they are made through courage, compassion, and an unbreakable will. She believed in a free, equal, and just India—and spent her entire life turning that belief into action.

Final Words

Lakshmi Sahgal was more than a soldier. She was a healer, leader, and a revolutionary who never gave up on her country or her people. In the pages of India’s freedom struggle, she shines brightly as the Captain of Courage—a woman who led with heart and fought with honor.

Her journey is a powerful reminder to all of us: True freedom comes with responsibility, sacrifice, and service. And in that, Captain Lakshmi Sahgal was a true hero.