NEW DELHI: In a heartfelt tribute to India’s freedom struggle, Lieutenant R Madhavan Pillai, a 99-year-old veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), commemorated his 100th year by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Kartavya Path.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, armed forces personnel, and members of the public, marked a significant milestone in Lt Pillai’s life and India’s rich legacy of sacrifice and patriotism.
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Born on March 13, 1926, in Swryan Township, Burma (now Myanmar), Lt Madhavan Pillai played a pivotal role in the INA’s efforts under Netaji’s leadership. After joining the Azad Hind Fauj on November 1, 1943, at the age of 18, Lt Pillai contributed as a recruiting officer and fundraiser, mobilizing support across 32 locations in Burma.
His dedication to the cause led to his imprisonment in Rangoon Jail for eight months in 1945.
Honours and Recognitions
For his immense contribution to India’s independence, Lt Pillai has received numerous accolades:
- Awarded a Silver Medal in 2021 during Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 125th birth anniversary.
- Felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parakram Diwas celebrations at Red Fort in January 2024.
- Honoured by Odisha Chief Minister during Parakram Diwas celebrations in Cuttack in January 2025.
- Despite his age, Lt Pillai has remained an active advocate for preserving the memory of Netaji and the INA’s contributions.
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By laying a wreath at the National War Memorial and Kartavya Path, Lt Pillai not only paid homage to his comrades but also reinforced the enduring legacy of the INA in India’s fight for independence. His tribute stands as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that shaped the nation’s destiny.
