She joined Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj in 1943 at the age of 17 in Rangoon for the Freedom of India. Today Rama Khandwala at the age of 91 is an active tourist guide in Mumbai. She speaks Japanese fluently and in her spare time teaches Japanese. She has been the most sought after guide specially by the Japanese tour operators who always make a special request that she be available when Japanese tourists visit Mumbai. Her energy and enthusiasm has enthused the tour guides in India.
In 2016, on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Azad Hind Manch honoured her with the Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar – lifetime achievement award. In the same year she was also felicitated by the Pan India Guide Body – The Tourist Guide Federation of India (TGFI) for being the most senior and excellent tourist guide .