KUALA LUMPUR: The Indian High Commission here honoured Indian National Army (INA) veteran Anjalai Ponnusamy on her 101st birthday today.
The High Commission feted the centenarian in partnership with Netaji Service Centre, Netaji Welfare Foundation and Malaysia India Heritage Group at the "Remembering the Rani of Jhansi Regiment" event.
The event, held at Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre here was a part of a series of programmes being organised to commemorate 75 years of Indian independence - India@75 - Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
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Speaking on the occasion, Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Shri Mridul Kumar conveyed heartfelt gratitude to war heroes and heroines from Malaysia for their selfless contribution to the Indian freedom struggle.
He added that their sacrifice would always be remembered as an epoch event in our shared journey.
Anjalai, who was presented with a silver plaque by the high commissioner at the event, joined the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the women's regiment of the INA, in 1943.
She was trained in combat operations and has the enviable experience of following the troops right up to the Burma-India Border in the effort to liberate India from British rule.
Anjalai was also awarded with the title "Veera Thaai" (Valiant Mother) by the Netaji Service Centre.