Laxmi Panda, Netaji's Youngest Spy

Savie Karnel's second book- an inspiring story of grit, determination and courage.

Source: Amazon

Having read her first book, The Nameless God and having loved it, it was a no brainer that I would readily pick up her next book. Added incentive was the title. Who was Laxmi Panda? Netaji's youngest spy? Right there, it was evident I knew so little about Netaji's women army. I simply had to know more. Coincidentally, this book came up in the latest arrivals in my favorite library, Kahaani Box. I promptly added it to my book requests for home delivery.

When the set arrived, I immediately dove into this amazing children's book. The author begins the book with a little note on how this book came about and how relatively unknown Laxmi Panda was until she was rewarded the most prestigious award and highest title of honor conferred upon a freedom fighter, the Rashtria Swatantra Sainik Samman, on October 2008. She died two weeks later.

Savie Karnel's decision to write a children's book about her is such an impactful and important one. This is such a great way to enable children of India to know about yet another great person who fought for freedom bravely as a child! She was just a teen when she joined INA (Indian National Army). Considered too young to join she was sent away multiple times. But circumstances compelled her to find a way somehow. Soon after, there was no turning back.

The book made me ponder about how these freedom fighters risked their lives for an idea that was greater than themselves. Laxmi Panda's motto was to never get caught while on a mission. She made sure that never happened. That was something very different from what I have known about freedom fighters. I have always admired them for willing to give up their lives for India's freedom. This was new. She believed that she must never get caught so that she could continue discovering useful information for the INA.

Her childish innocence combined with the discipline that she learnt to follow and her alertness, adherence to rules/procedures resonated a lot with me as a reader. Her focus and determination are qualities to remember. The book also brings forth the societal notions that existed about women in the army and how the women's army was forward for its times. Women were trained in warfare in addition to all the various roles they played.

Every one of us has role and duty towards Modern India. People like Laxmi Panda worked hard, risked their lives for a free India. It is a legacy that we must carry forward by doing our best to enable betterment of the country in whatever small way possible. That's a beautiful takeaway for me as a reader.

Have you read this book? Were you also profoundly impacted? Do leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.