Lieutenant Madhavan Pillai, One of INA’s Last Surviving Soldiers, Salutes Fallen Comrades at National War Memorial

New Delhi, India – At 99, most people would be content reflecting on a life well lived. But for Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), age is no barrier to duty and remembrance. On March 13, 2025, as he stepped into his 100th year, Lt. Madhavan marked the occasion in the most fitting way possible—by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue at Kartavya Path.

The ceremony, organized by the Indian Army, was attended by senior Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and members of the public. It was more than just a tribute; it was a powerful reminder of India’s hard-fought independence and the sacrifices made by men like Lt. Madhavan.

A Life Shaped by the INA and Netaji’s Call

Born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan Township of Rangoon District, Burma (now Myanmar), Lt. Madhavan was drawn into the freedom movement as a teenager. His father hailed from Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu, and the call for independence echoed strongly in their household. In 1942, at just 16, he joined the Indian Independence League under Rash Behari Bose, the precursor to the INA.

Everything changed when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Singapore. Inspired by Bose’s electrifying leadership, Madhavan formally enlisted in the INA on November 1, 1943, at the age of 18. After completing his training at the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer before being assigned to the Administrative Branch at INA Headquarters in Rangoon, working under Major General KP Thimayya (elder brother of General KS Thimayya).

His efforts, alongside thousands of others, were part of the INA’s audacious campaign to overthrow British rule under the rallying cry “Chalo Delhi.”

Echoes of the Azad Hind Fauj

Despite the INA’s eventual disbandment, Lt. Madhavan’s contributions did not go unrecognized. On August 1, 1980, the Government of India officially recognized him as a freedom fighter. More recently, on January 23, 2024, he was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parakram Diwas celebrations at Red Fort, New Delhi, a day dedicated to remembering Netaji’s legacy.

The INA, first formed in 1942 by Mohan Singh and later revived by Netaji Bose on October 21, 1943, was a unique force in India’s independence struggle. Unlike traditional armies, it was fueled by a dream rather than state backing. It drew soldiers, civilians, and volunteers from across Malaya, Burma, and India’s overseas communities, all united by a singular mission—to free India.

Women played an unprecedented role in this revolutionary force, with the Rani of Jhansi Regiment breaking gender barriers long before the idea of women in combat became widely accepted. Lt. Madhavan’s journey was shaped by this extraordinary movement—one that blurred religious, regional, and social divides in pursuit of a free India.  

A Tribute That Transcends Time

Decades ago, a young Lt. Madhavan braved the dense jungles and unforgiving terrain of the Northeast, carrying with him the aspirations of millions. Now, as he stands at the National War Memorial, saluting his fallen comrades, his presence is a bridge between India’s past and present. His tribute is not just for those who fought in the INA but for every soldier who has defended India’s sovereignty since.

The wreath-laying ceremony at Kartavya Path is more than a moment of remembrance; it is a message to future generations. As India continues to navigate its place in the world, stories like Lt. Madhavan’s remind us that independence was not gifted—it was fought for, with blood, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in a free India.  

And for Lt. Madhavan Pillai, stepping into his 100th year is not about slowing down. It is about ensuring that history is never forgotten.

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