The Indian National Army officer known as Captain Lakshmi served as the Minister of Women's Affairs in the Azad Hind Government during the Second World War. A physician by training, she balanced a career in medicine with a lifetime of revolutionary activity and political service, ultimately becoming a prominent member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Early Life and Medical Training
Born in Chennai in 1914, Lakshmi Swaminathan attended Queen Mary's College before enrolling at Madras Medical College, where she earned her MBBS degree in 1938. She completed a diploma in gynaecology and obstetrics the following year. Before her military involvement, she practiced medicine at the Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital in Triplicane, Chennai.
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In June 1940, she relocated to Singapore, where she established a private medical practice. Following the arrival of Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943, she helped establish the Rani Jhansi Regiment, an all-female infantry unit within the Indian National Army. Though her official rank was Lieutenant Colonel, she gained the moniker Captain Lakshmi while leading thousands of volunteers in the struggle against colonial forces.
Military Campaign and Detention
During the 1944 march toward Imphal, the regiment navigated difficult conditions, including food shortages and disease, while receiving medical support from Sahgal. Following the retreat from Burma and her subsequent arrest by British forces in May 1945, she was held in custody until her repatriation to India in March 1946, a period coinciding with the historic INA trials.
Political Career and Later Life
After returning to India, Sahgal continued her public work, notably founding the All India Democratic Women's Association. She maintained her medical practice in Kanpur until her death in 2012. Her political contributions were recognized in 1998 with the Padma Vibhushan. In 2002, she contested the Indian presidential election against A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
Fast facts
- Born: 1914, Chennai
- Died: 2012, Kanpur
- Medical degree: MBBS from Madras Medical College (1938)
- Military role: Lieutenant Colonel, Indian National Army
- Political affiliation: Communist Party of India (Marxist)
- Notable honor: Padma Vibhushan (1998)
- Languages: English, Malayalam
- Religion: Atheism
Questions readers ask
Why was she called Captain Lakshmi?
The name originated from her leadership role in the Rani Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army, despite her official rank being Lieutenant Colonel.
Did she hold office in the Azad Hind Government?
Yes, she served as the Minister in Charge of Women's Organization in the Provisional Government of Free India.
Achievements
- Educated at Madras Medical College and Queen Mary's College
