Comrade Captain Lakshmi Saghal, veteran freedom fighter and CPI(M) veteran, passed away today ( 23rd July ) at Kanpur at the age of 97. She was ailing for a few weeks.
Captain Lakshmi was born as the daughter of freedom fighter Ammukkutty Swaminathan and B.Swaminathan in 1914. After passing MBBS from the Madras University, along with medical practice she involved in the freedom movement. She went to Rangoon and joined the Indian National Army (INA) of Subhas Chandra Bose and was the captain of the Rani Jhansi Regiment which marched to India for fighting the British. She was captured and almost killed. She headed the medical treatment to the thousands who were wounded in the war.
After marriage with INA leader Prakash Saighal, who was also in INA. Later she settled at Kanpur along with her daughter Com. Subhashini Ali, who is the Central Committee Member of the CPI(M) and also a former MP. She continued to serve the public in her clinic at Kanpur for decades till she fell sick a few weeks back.
Captain Lakshmi was a leader of the women's movement and was a top leader of the CPI(M). She was the Presidential Candidate of the Left parties in 2002. She was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Her passing away is a great loss to the CPI(M), the Left, the women's movement and all progressive forces. She was one of the freedom fighters still left amongst us. She was an inspiration to thousands for her selfless service to the nation and the Left movement. Her life story is the history of a valiant freedom fighter and a social workers who till her death served the public in her clinic.
I express my deep grief and convey heartfelt condolences to Com. Subhashini Ali, other family members, comrades and friends in their great loss. Red salute to Com. Lakshmi Saighal!