Today, 23rd July 2013, is the first death anniversary of Lakshmi Saghal, the freedom fighter, revolutionary, Communist and social worker. She was the Captain of the Jhansi Rani Regiment of the Indian National Army (INA) led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Her life of 98 years is full of events, one way or other. She was a Doctor by profession and the same she continued till death, serving the poor in her own clinic in Kanpur, where she stayed with her daughter and well known CPI(M) leader Comrade Subhashini Ali. After Independence, she turned to politics and joined CPI(M). She was one of the founder leaders of the All India Democratic Womens’ Associations (AIDWA) and continued to work for the upliftment of women till her death. She was a contestant to the Post of President of India, supported by the Left Parties.
I had the chance to met her a few times, once in her home at Kanpur itself. Other times, it was mostly in the office of the AIDWA. Though she had mostly lived out of Kerala, she had not forgotten Malayalam and spoke in it.
Red salute to Comrade Captain Lakshmi on her first death anniversary!