Nallaya was born in 1921. When he was young his family migrated to Ipoh city where his family ran a provisional store. During a speech by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Ipoh, Nallaya was inspired to join the INA. In 1943, he joined the INA. While participating in the battle against the British Army in Myanmar, Nallaya was arrested and imprisoned for 10 months in Yangon jail and was later repatriated to India. In 1945, he hoisted the Indian flag with INA Soldiers in Manipur against the British.
Source: Thainattai Katha Thanayangal, Dinamani Newspaper. 75th Sudanthira Amutha Peruvila.