Durga Malla was born in 1913 in the Dehradun region of present-day Uttarakhand. He joined the British Indian Army at a young age and served with the Gorkha Rifles, where his discipline and leadership qualities became evident. Exposure to nationalist ideas and the realities of colonial rule gradually drew him toward the cause of Indian independence.

During the Second World War, Durga Malla joined the Indian National Army under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Rising to the rank of Major, he worked primarily in intelligence and played an important role in motivating soldiers to break away from British control and support the Azad Hind movement. His activities contributed to the organisational strength and morale of the INA.

In 1944, Durga Malla was captured by British authorities during a mission and later tried and executed. Despite pressure to abandon his beliefs, he remained steadfast in his commitment to India’s freedom. His execution made him one of the earliest INA martyrs, and he is remembered with honour for his sacrifice, especially within the Gorkha community and the wider national memory of the freedom struggle.