Date:19/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/19/stories/2008081951740300.htm

New Delhi

President promises help to Indira Panda

New Delhi: After 62 years of struggle, Laxmi Indira Panda, the sole woman member of Subhash Chandar Bose’s Indian National Army from Orissa, could see some hope for survival after she met President Pratibha Patil on Monday and narrated her story of abject poverty. Patil assured all possible help to the eighty-two-year old freedom fighter from Koraupt in Orissa, who has been running from pillar to post for freedom fighter pension and other benefits. Mrs. Patil heard her patiently for 35 minutes and assured her of freedom fighter pension. PTI