RANGASWAMY MADHAVAN: HISTORY
NEWS: Indian National Army veteranLt. Madhavan Pillai celebrates 99th birthday by paying tributes to Netaji and fallen soldiers
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Lt. Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a key member of the Indian National Army (INA), contributed significantly to India's independence struggle, with his efforts in recruitment, fundraising, and mobilization. He was recognized as a freedom fighter, honored with awards, and commemorated for his role in INA's legacy on major occasions, including the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Early Life and Background
• Birth: Lt. Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in Swryan township, Rangoon district, Burma (now Myanmar). His family was part of the Indian diaspora in Burma, a community deeply involved in the Indian independence movement.
• Family Roots: His father hailed from Sivaganga, a region in Tamil Nadu, a state known for its significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle, especially through its vibrant Tamil community.
Association with the Indian National Army (INA)
• Joining Indian Independence League (IIL): In 1942, during the early years of World War II, Lt. Pillai joined the Indian Independence League (IIL) as a civilian under the leadership of Rash Behari Bose. The IIL aimed to unite Indians overseas for the cause of India’s independence, and it helped establish connections with the Axis powers, particularly Japan and Germany, to fight the British.
• Formal Enlistment in INA: Lt. Pillai formally enlisted in the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, on November 1, 1943, after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Singapore to take charge of the INA. His formal enlistment marked his transition from civilian activism to an active role in the armed forces fighting for India’s independence.
• Commissioned as an Officer: He was commissioned as an officer from the Officers Training School in Burma, which trained soldiers for the INA, preparing them for operations aimed at weakening British colonial power in India.
Role in the Freedom Struggle
• Recruitment and Fundraising: Lt. Pillai played a vital role as a recruitment officer and fundraiser for the INA. His responsibility was to mobilize resources and recruit soldiers to strengthen the INA’s forces. He raised substantial support across a wide geographical area, reflecting his determination and organizational skills.
• Mobilizing Support: He actively worked to gather support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma, including:
• Hanthawaddy
• Sawbwagale
• Ywadanshe
• Swryan
• Yangon
• Mayongone
This widespread mobilization helped the INA expand its influence across Southeast Asia, increasing the strength of the freedom struggle against the British.
• Imprisonment: Lt. Pillai's active role in the INA led to his imprisonment in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945. His imprisonment reflects the harsh retaliation by the British against key freedom fighters and the sacrifices they endured in the struggle for India's independence.
Role at INA Headquarters
• Administrative Role: Lt. Pillai served in the administrative branch at the INA headquarters in Rangoon (Yangon). He managed logistical operations and played a critical role in coordinating the various branches of the INA.
• Collaboration with Major General K.P. Thimayya: At the INA headquarters, Lt. Pillai worked directly under the leadership of Major General K.P. Thimayya, who was the elder brother of General K.S. Thimayya, a prominent figure in the Indian Army post-independence. His association with such military leadership reflects his significant role in the INA.
Recognition as a Freedom Fighter
• Government Recognition: In 1980, the Government of India officially recognized Lt. Pillai as a freedom fighter, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to India’s independence struggle, particularly in the context of his work with the INA. This recognition came decades after his active service, honoring his enduring legacy as a patriot and warrior.
• Silver Medal Award: In 2021, Lt. Pillai was awarded a silver medal on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 125th birth anniversary. This award honored his contribution to the INA and the larger Indian independence movement, recognizing his sacrifices and pivotal role in the fight against British colonial rule.
Honours and Tributes
• Parakram Diwas Felicitation: On January 23, 2024, Lt. Pillai was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort in New Delhi, during the Parakram Diwas celebration. This day is dedicated to the bravery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his leadership in the INA. Lt. Pillai’s presence at this event symbolized his enduring contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
• 99th Birthday Observance: On March 13, 2025, to mark his 99th birthday, Lt. Pillai participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, Kartavya Path, New Delhi, and the Statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. This event was organized by the Indian Army, attended by military personnel and public representatives, showcasing respect for his legacy and service to India.
The Legacy of the INA
• Formation of INA: The Azad Hind Fauj (INA) was first established by Mohan Singh in 1942, but it gained real momentum under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who revived it on October 21, 1943. Netaji transformed the INA into a formidable force, rallying Indian soldiers, including prisoners of war and overseas Indians, to join the cause of India's freedom.
• INA’s War Cry: The INA’s iconic war cry, "Chalo Delhi", became a symbol of their commitment to complete independence from British rule, representing the spirit of the movement.
• Multinational Composition: The INA comprised a diverse group of volunteers, soldiers, and overseas Indians from various regions such as Malaya, Burma, and other parts of Southeast Asia. This multicultural aspect of the INA reflected India’s global fight for independence and solidarity with Indian expatriates.
• Lt. Pillai’s Legacy: Lt. Pillai’s life and contributions represent the courage, dedication, and unity that defined the INA’s struggle. His tireless work for recruitment, fundraising, and the expansion of the INA helped lay the foundation for India’s fight for independence.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
• Political Leadership: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was elected President of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1938 at the Haripura Session and re-elected in 1939 at the Tripuri Session. However, his growing differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders led to his resignation.
• Forward Bloc: In 1939, Netaji founded the All-India Forward Bloc to consolidate the left-wing forces in the INC and to push for a more radical approach to gaining India’s independence.
• Escape from India (1941): After being placed under house arrest by the British in Kolkata, Netaji escaped in 1941, disguised as a Pathan, and traveled via Afghanistan and the Soviet Union to Germany, seeking support for India’s independence from the Axis powers.
• Association with Axis Powers: In 1942, Netaji met Adolf Hitler in Germany to seek military support against the British. He later moved to Japan in 1943, where he received support for the INA’s operations.
• Leadership of INA: Netaji took charge of the INA, originally formed by Mohan Singh in 1942, and declared the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) on October 21, 1943, in Singapore.
• INA Campaigns: With Japanese support, the INA launched campaigns in Imphal and Kohima in 1944. However, these campaigns failed due to logistical challenges and effective counterattacks by the Allied forces.
• Legacy: Netaji’s legacy has remained a powerful symbol of revolutionary nationalism. The INA trials (Red Fort Trials) in 1945-46 sparked massive protests and were a turning point in weakening British resolve, leading to India’s eventual independence in 1947.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-national-army-veteran-lieutenant-r-madhavan-pillai-celebrates-99th-birthday/article69326480.ece