MIC founding member Janaky Athi Nahappan dies, funeral on Sunday

PETALING JAYA: MIC founding member Janaky Athi Nahappan passed away Friday, coincidentally on the 38th death anniversary of her husband Athi Nahappan.

Janaky, 89, who breathed her last at about 10.10am, had been in poor health following a stroke and suffered from pneumonia.

Family members shared that May 9 was the day Athi Nahappan, a journalist with Jai Hind Daily and an MIC leader, died 38 years ago.

A. Gowri said her mother passed away peacefully at her home in Cheras.

"She was diagnosed with pneumonia last September and recently suffered stroke. The last one was quite bad and her health got worst since.

"We have arranged for her funeral on Sunday from 9am at the house, followed by another ceremony at the Cheras crematorium at 11am," Gowri said when contacted by The Star.

Janaky was the first Malaysian woman in then Malaya to join the Indian National Army, captaining a battalion during the Japanese Occupation.

 An ardent follower of Indian Nationalist, Subash Chandra Bose, Janaky was a freedom fighter during the years when Malaya fought for Independence from the British.

She was an active girl guides member in her younger days, a welfare activist and a Senator.