Early Life, Education and Career 

Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it: it flies with the last breath of each soldier who dies protecting it. It's a befitting tribute to Captain Manickam Duraimuthu who fired by his indomitable spirit of patriotism and the unflinching desire to serve his country, joined the fiery warriors labelled Madras Sappers on 26th April 1939. He was born on 23 June 1921. At the tender age of 19, a proud Tamilian, he chose the path laden with selfless sacrifice for the pride of his nation and the glory of his country. 

World War I was a defining moment in history, not only for the world at large but also for young men in India, including Captain Manickam Duraimuthu. The immense scale of the conflict, coupled with the pivotal role played by Indian soldiers, profoundly influenced his decision to join the Indian Army at a remarkably young age. The stories of bravery, camaraderie, patriotism, and the honour of serving one's country resonated deeply with him. He saw the military not just as a career but as a noble pursuit—an opportunity to defend and bring pride to his motherland.

Captain Manickam Duraimuthu joined as a recruit, worked as a lieutenant and retired as a Captain for his service which was nothing short of courage, valour and defence of his country. His breath exuded love for his country and nation and he never for a moment feared for his life. He chose to fight and die for his country and he, it is said, vowed to give up his last breath for his country. His regimental number was 0060362. But that was just a number; his services were beyond the number given to him. He fought in World War II in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Sudan, Libya parts of Eastern Europe and many other countries which evades description. 

Military Operations and Missions - World War II

During World War Il (1939-1945), he had a narrow escape from the German onslaught in the Mediterranean Sea. He injured his leg because of continuous bombshells but that did not deter him from continuing his services in the army. He was then posted in the dense jungles of Burma to prevent the Japanese invasion of East Asia. He spent sleepless nights guarding the borders with the eye of a hawk. His posting in the Sahara Desert deserves special mention. Due to the lack of water in the desert, his thirst was quenched by rubbing salt stones on his tongue. He used to bathe in sand and remove the dirt from his skin using a petrol sponge. How many of us can withstand such an unspeakable ordeal? The answer dies on our lips.

He was assigned the task of unearthing booby traps or land mines in the thick of World War I. It was a challenging task because if he had stepped on it accidentally he would have met with a gruesome end. For a soul so mighty and strong even that wouldn't have caused any fear or anxiety. He was honoured by the then Indian Governer General, Lord Wavell, in 1944 with the IDSM Award in recognition of his courageous services which had saved thousands of army personnel.

Military Operations and Missions - Indian Freedom Struggle

The INA, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, played a crucial role in the freedom struggle. It consisted mainly of Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese during World War II. The INA sought to overthrow British rule in India with Japanese support. While the INA's military campaigns were not successful, their efforts inspired many Indians and created a sense of unity and purpose against the British. The formation and actions of the Indian National Army (INA) played significant roles in fueling the freedom movement. 

Captain Manickam Duraimuthu played a crucial role during the freedom fight (1945-1947). He and his troops were at the forefront of various uprisings and mutinies against British rule. Understanding the oppression and injustice faced by their countrymen, cleverly used their positions to influence their troops to resist British orders. By sharing military strategies and tactics, the Captain and the troops helped strengthen the operational capabilities of the freedom fighters.

Captain Manickam Duraimuthu and his troops were sympathetic to the cause of independence played a role in fostering a sense of nationalism among their fellow soldiers and the general populace. Through speeches, writings, and personal influence, they encouraged a spirit of resistance against British rule, laying the groundwork for a united struggle for freedom.

Several events contributed to the broader struggle for independence, which was ultimately achieved in 1947. Their legacy is honored in Bangalore through various commemorations and the preservation of their history at the MEG & Centre.

Military Operations and Missions - After Indian Independence

After India's independence, all the princely states were brought under the Indian Government except the princely state of Nawab of Hyderabad who refused to surrender to the Indian Government. As a result, the Indian army was sent to Hyderabad to compel him to surrender. Captain Duraimuthu played a pivotal role in the operation. His honorific action was duly recognized by the Indian Government which conferred on him a distinguished medal. A man who defied danger and death and wrangled with disaster deserves such an honour. Battle after battle did not diminish his strength and valour instead they filled him with the zest to do or die for his country.

The battle that toughened him further as a warrior was the first Pakistan war in 1948. He was awarded a medal for his exemplary services by none other than the President of India. It is indeed the rarest of the rarest honours. He was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for his extraordinary participation in many wars by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, erstwhile President of India.

He also took part in the 1962 war against China during which he faced many hair-raising moments. Three times in his lifetime, he participated in the Republic Day parade in Delhi representing Madras Sappers. It is undoubtedly an honour of the highest order. Furthermore, the last war he fought was against Pakistan in 1965. He fought the war with the prowess that made many raise their eyebrows. It would be a great dishonour to not mention his postings in several places separated from his kith and kin. He served in Ladakh, Siachen Glacier, Kashmir, Assam, the Himalayas, and Jamalpur. Special mention must be made of the Siachen glacier is one of the toughest places to survive with temperatures touching -40° where the fierce freezing winds, unrelenting snow and hostile terrain have struck dead many a valiant soldier.

Five years prior to retirement he was posted in MEG, Bangalore in the Depot Battalion. He retired on 5th February 1970. After retirement, he served the land army of the Karnataka Government for a couple of years. 

Honours and Recognitions

• In 1944, he was honoured by the then Indian Governer General, Lord Wavell, with the IDSM Award in recognition of his courageous services which had saved thousands of army personnel.

• In 1950, he was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for his extraordinary participation in many wars (mainly Indo-Pakistan War), by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, erstwhile President of India.

• Between 1950 and 1970, he was invited to participate (three times) in the Republic Day parade in Delhi representing Madras Sappers.

• Between 1947 and 1986, he was invited many times to hoist the tricolour flag for Independence Day in Bangalore.

• On 27th December 1986, his cortege was given military honours.

Commemoration and Legacy

Captain Manickam Duraimuthu’s legacy of dedication and service continues to thrive through his family, particularly in his granddaughter, Dr. Sharanya Rajan. Inspired by her grandfather’s life of bravery and selflessness, Dr. Sharanya has chosen a path of service in the medical field, completed her MBBS in India, MPH from the prestigious University of London, and MRCGP from the Royal College, UK. Currently a General Practitioner (GP) working for NHS in the UK, embodying the same values that defined her grandfather’s life. She has taken the values of service and selflessness she inherited and extended them into her work as a doctor. Beyond her professional duties, she is deeply committed to giving back to the community through various social services, particularly focusing on providing free healthcare to those in need.

As a doctor, she is committed to serving the community with compassion and excellence, bringing healing and hope to those in need. Her work, much like Captain Duraimuthu’s, is a testament to the power of service and the impact of a life lived with purpose.

Through Dr. Sharanya, Captain’s legacy lives on—not just in the memories of those who knew him, but in the continued acts of kindness, dedication, and service to the nation and its people. The torch he lit now burns brightly in the next generation, ensuring that his spirit of sacrifice and commitment to others endures.

In honour of Captain Manickam Duraimuthu, his family established the Captain Manickam Duraimuthu Agniveer Movement & Patriotism (CAMP) Program on 15th August 2024, under the Raj Square Charity Foundation. 

Captain Manickam Duraimuthu Agniveer Movement & Patriotism (CAMP) Program aims to support soldiers and their families, reflecting his passion for service and care for his fellow soldiers. This initiative ensures that Captain's legacy of compassion, bravery, and selflessness continues to inspire future generations. 

His is a tale of uncompromising bravery, fortitude, and patriotism of the highest order. His life and deeds should be an inspiration to those in the defence services where one is fearless and dauntless in his duty of safeguarding his country. To honour his memory, several other initiatives were proposed, such as motivating students to build Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), etc, aimed at perpetuating his legacy and inspiring future generations. 

We salute him for his services to his motherland.