It was in 1943 that she met Subash Chandra Bose, who was keen to raise a women's regiment, the Rani of Jhansi regiment, which would also fight for Indian independence and make it complete. Lakshmi's name was suggested for the regiment by Shri Yellappa and as soon she came to know about the proposal to join the regiment she accepted it. Hence, Dr. Lakshmi Swaminadhan became Captain Lakshmi, a name and identity that would stay with her for life.
Captain Lakshmi was arrested by the British army in May 1945 during the march to Burma that began in December 1944.
