R. Madhavan Pillai, one of the last surviving veterans of the Indian National Army (INA) who mobilised support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma (now Myanmar), including Hanthawaddy, Sawbwagale, Ywadanshe, Swryan, Yangon and Mayongon during the freedom struggle, celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday visiting the National War Memorial and paying tribute to Netaji Subash Chandra Bose.
Honouring Valour & Sacrifices
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 13, 2025
As Lieutenant R. Madhavan Pillai of Indian National Army, #INA approaches the milestone of his 100th birthday, we stand in awe of a living legend whose life embodies the spirit of valour and sacrifice.
Lieutenant Pillai today laid wreaths at the… pic.twitter.com/jWsrqzlBbB
Pillai arrived at the memorial in a wheelchair to pay homage to fallen heroes at the memorial and Netaji.
Holding a walking stick, he was helped by an Army official to the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' to lay a ceremonial wreath and pay his tributes to the fallen heroes.
Defying his age and ill-frame, he looked up and saluted with pride.
"Born on March 13, 1926, in Swryan Township, Burma (now Myanmar), is one of the last surviving INA veterans. He belongs to a family originally from Tamil Nadu and joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian before enlisting in the Azad Hind Fauj (INA) on November 1, 1943," an official has been quoted as saying.
Taking to X, the Indian Army posted a few photos and a video of the veteran saying, "As Lieutenant R. Madhavan Pillai of Indian National Army, #INA approaches the milestone of his 100th birthday, we stand in awe of a living legend whose life embodies the spirit of valour and sacrifice."
"The #IndianArmy salutes the indomitable spirit of the #Veteran and pays homage to the sacrifices of those who fought for the Nation’s Independence," the Army further said.
