The report “A life of struggle” (July 24) on the passing of Lakshmi Sahgal was a fitting tribute to a very special person who wore many hats with grace. She was a revolutionary freedom fighter, military commander, social activist, and doctor. The photograph of Lakshmi Sahgal in her INA uniform was the icing on the cake. The Hindu deserves to be lauded for carrying the photograph evoking memories of the great leader who was known as Captain Lakshmi throughout her life even though Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose promoted her to the rank of Colonel. Lakshmi Sahgal, who donated her body for medical research, will remain a symbol of selfless service in life and death.
G. Anuplal,Bangalore
I was pleased to see the slide-show on Lakshmi Sahgal’s life (online edition). The fourth slide (4/12) shows my mother Rajalakmi Chidambaram (nee Sarma). Dr. Lakshmi was a close friend of my mother. She lived near our house in the suburb of Katong. At that time, few women among the immigrant south Indian population had the benefit of education. Educated women, able to converse in English, Tamil or Hindi were held in great esteem. I was born in 1936 and remember Dr. Lakshmi’s visits and stay at our home.
After the fall of Singapore in February 1942, and Bose’s arrival, my father was appointed head of the Indian Independence League. This organisation was the civilian arm of the Azad Hind Fauj. My father translated Bose’s speeches into Tamil during public rallies. Bose appointed my mother Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs and she served in Rangoon.
Kailas Chidambaram,Los Gatos
It was Lakshmi Sahgal’s strong will and determination that made her such a great woman. Her life is an inspiration for many. The photograph of the great leader in INA uniform was great. Her contribution to the nation before and after independence was indeed significant.
B. Jambulingam,Thanjavur
