He was 18-years-old when he first joined Subash Chandro Bose’s Indian National Army (INA). Approximately 57 years later, 75-year-old Karuppaiah of Sethidal village near R S Mangalam may have lost his sight, but his patriotic spirit is still steadfast.
Inspired by the legendary freedom fighter’s oration, Karuppaiah joined the propaganda wing of the INA, to spread information against the British Raj among the people in Burma (now Myanmar). Karuppaiah was incarcerated many times in various prisons for working against the British rule.
Speaking to Express, the patriot reflected on the drastic change in the present society. “Patriotism comes to the fore only on Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations,” he said.