The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its profound grief at the
passing away of Capt Lakshmi Sahgal, inspiring and courageous freedom
fighter, dedicated and compassionate doctor in the service of the poor,
fighter for women’s rights and a senior and greatly respected member of
the Communist Party of India (Marxist). She passed away at the age of
98 in Kanpur. At the time of her death she was a patron of the All India
Democratic Women’s Association which she had helped to found.
Capt Lakshmi who was born into an illustrious family from Kerala. was
brought up in Madras where she excelled in her studies as a brilliant
student. Her parents were freedom fighters dedicated to the nation, her
father a brilliant lawyer and her mother a social worker and campaigner
for women’s rights. From her childhood, Capt Lakshmi was brought up with
values which cherished India’s freedom. This dedication remained with
her through her life. Her parents marriage was inter caste one and
Lakshmi as a young student fought against caste prejudice often
clashing with the ideas held by her contemporaries in school and
college. She completed her MBBS degree in 1938 and then in 1940 decided
to travel to Singapore. It was while she was working there as a doctor
that she became actively involved in the work of the India Independence
League which contributed greatly to India’s freedom struggle. She was
introduced to Subhash Chandra Bose in 1943 and was invited by him to set
up the Rani of Jhansi women’s brigade under his overall command. She
became the leader of this legendary brigade and was inducted by him into
the provisional cabinet of Azad Hind as the only woman member. She
played a heroic role and saved many lives by her courage as leader of
the INA. She was captured by the British and brought to India in 1946
where he was given a heroine’s welcome.
She married Prem Sehgal who was also a leader of the INA working with Subhash Chandra Bose.
After independence, Capt Lakshmi set up her practice in Kanpur. She
became the beloved health saviour of lakhs of poor women of Kanpur whom
she would provide medical services without any charge. She was devoted
to her patients and there was hardly a day when she did not work in her
modest clinic. Even on the day before her heart attack, regardless of
her frail health she was at the clinic meeting patients, such was her
dedication.
In 1971 when huge numbers of refugees came from what was then East
Pakistan, the Peoples relief Committee in West Bengal gave a call for
doctors to help. Com. Jyoti Basu also issued a call. Capt Lakshmi
answered his appeal and spent several months working with the refugees
providing them medical relief.
It was after this experience that Capt Lakshmi decided to join the
CPI(M). She became a member of the Kanpur and later the UP State
Committee of the Party. She was a champion for women’s rights and
shouldered the responsibility along with other great communist women
leaders of mobilizing women for their rights. She was a founder member
of the All India Democratic Women’s Association, travelling the length
and breadth of the country as the organisation’s Vice-President.
She believed strongly in the need for a Socialist revolution and she
lived her ideals. She was extremely modest about her many achievements,
always encouraging young people into leadership roles. She was the
beloved role model of young people throughout country.
The CPI(M) pays its deep homage and dips the red flag in honour of
Capt Lakshmi Sehgal, courageous and dedicated communist leader and
freedom fighter. Her life and work will continue to inspire generations
of young people.
The Party extends its condolences to her daughters Subhashini Ali and
Anisa Puri, and her grandchildren and other family members.
Long Live Capt. Lakshmi Sehgal.
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