In a moving tribute to India’s glorious freedom struggle, the Indian Army today organised a centenary celebration for Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhawan Pillai, one of the last living veterans of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army). As he stepped into his 100th year, Lt Madhawan laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Kartavya Path, reaffirming the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice that defined India’s independence movement.
The event was attended by senior military officers, dignitaries, and citizens who came together to honour the valour of a man who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Netaji’s forces in the fight to free India from colonial rule. The ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the nation’s unbreakable resolve and the sacrifices made by those who fought for its sovereignty.
A Patriot’s Journey: From Rangoon to the Heart of India’s Freedom Struggle
Born on March 13, 1926, in Swryan Township, Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, Lt Madhawan’s destiny was intertwined with India’s struggle for independence. His father hailed from Sivagangai District in Tamil Nadu, and as a young patriot, he joined the Indian Independence League in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose. When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose reignited the flames of revolution, Lt Madhawan formally enlisted in the INA on November 1, 1943, at just 18 years of age.
Trained at the Officers Training School in Burma, he played a crucial role as a recruitment and fundraising officer before serving in the Administrative Branch at the INA Headquarters in Rangoon. He worked under Major General KP Thimayya, the elder brother of General KS Thimayya, who later became Chief of the Indian Army.
His dedication to India’s independence was officially recognised on August 1, 1980, when the Government of India honoured him as a freedom fighter. More recently, on January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally felicitated him at Red Fort on the occasion of Parakram Diwas, a moment of national pride and recognition.
The INA’s Unyielding Spirit: ‘Chalo Delhi’ and the Call for Freedom
The Indian National Army, first formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and revived by Netaji Bose on October 21, 1943, was a force unlike any other. United under the battle cry “Chalo Delhi,” the INA was composed of fearless patriots who vowed to overthrow British rule.
Men and women from across Southeast Asia; Malaya, Burma, and beyond, rallied behind Netaji, setting aside regional and communal differences for the singular cause of Bharat’s independence. The INA’s Rani of Jhansi Regiment became a shining example of women’s participation in India’s armed struggle, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
Lt Madhawan’s life stands as a testament to this undying spirit. Decades ago, he marched through the rugged landscapes of the Northeast, carrying the dreams of millions who longed for a free India. Today, his tribute at the National War Memorial serves as a call to remember and uphold the ideals of those who sacrificed everything for the nation’s sovereignty.
A Nation’s Gratitude: Saluting a Hero
The Indian Army’s gesture of honouring Lt Madhawan is more than a tribute to a veteran, it is a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to its history and its heroes. As the tricolour flies high, today’s ceremony is a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of the INA will never be forgotten.
India stands on the foundations laid by brave hearts like Lt Madhawan and his comrades. As the nation moves forward, their legacy continues to inspire every citizen to uphold the values of courage, unity, and unwavering devotion to Bharat Mata.
On this historic day, as Lt Rangaswamy Madhawan Pillai steps into his centenary year, the nation salutes him. His life is not just history, it is a living testament to India’s undying spirit of freedom, strength, and self-respect. Jai Hind!