Captain Lakshmi fought fearlessly on the battle field for India’s freedom. She was a doctor, and received her MBBS degree from the Madras Medical College in 1928. She moved to Singapore, and set up a successful practice. In 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose called upon women to join his Indian national Army.
An inspired Lakshmi, joined as Colonel in the Rani of Jhansi regiment. She fought on the battle front, and treated the wounded. However, Captain Lakshmi was captured and brought to India. She received a hero’s welcome. After Independence, she became a Rajya Sabha MP. During the Bangladesh crisis, she organized relief camps and medical help in Calcutta for the Bangladesh refugees. She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1998.