Back in the early 1940s when the world never even dreamt of women fighting a war, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose created the Jhansi ki Rani Regiment in Singapore. He wanted to assemble all the Indian Nationals scattered across Asia to build an Indian National Army. In the process of this creation, he also invited all the women to form the World’s first women regiment.
JANAKI grew up in a well-to-do Tamil family in Malaya and was only 16 when she heard Subhas Chandra Bose’s appeal to Indians to give whatever they could for their fight for Indian independence. Immediately she took off her gold earrings and donated them. She was determined to join the women’s wing, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army. There was strong family objection, especially from her father. But after much persuasion, her father finally agreed.
She was among the first women to join the Indian National Army organised during the Japanese occupation of Malaya to fight for Indian independence with the Japanese. Having been brought up in luxury, she initially could not adapt to the rigours of army life. However, she gradually got used to military life and her career in the regiment took off. She became second in command of the regiment.
The Government of India awarded her the fourth highest civilian honour of Padma Shri in 2000
Janaki had a dream that inspired hundreds of girls back then and continues to inspire millions of women today who want to break free from taboos and stereotypes!