Hundreds Gather at the ANZAC Sikh War Memorial in Glenwood to Honour the Courage and Sacrifice of the Sikh Soldiers
SYDNEY: A special commemorative event honouring the 21 Sikh soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the historic Battle of Saragarhi was held with solemnity and respect at the ANZAC Sikh War Memorial in Glenwood, Sydney. Hundreds of community members gathered at the memorial to pay their respects and lay wreaths in memory of the brave Sikh soldiers.
The Battle of Saragarhi, fought on 12 September 1897, is regarded as one of the most remarkable episodes of military courage, determination and sacrifice in history. The 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army defended the Saragarhi communication post against a vastly larger force of Afghan tribesmen, holding their position until the last breath. Their extraordinary bravery continues to be remembered around the world and remains an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.
The commemorative event was organised by Panjabi Heritage of Australia and the Australian Sikh Association to remember the sacrifice and valour of the Sikh soldiers and to highlight their significant contribution to military history.
The proceedings began with Hasrat Sandhar delivering an Acknowledgement of Country and expressing respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of Australia. This was followed by children presenting the Australian National Anthem.
Devinder Singh Dharia then performed the Sikh devotional hymn Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ehai, setting a solemn and reflective tone for the ceremony.
According to organiser Harkirat Singh Sandhar, a wreath-laying service was subsequently conducted at the memorial. Representatives of various organisations, families and members of the wider community laid flowers and wreaths to honour the 21 Sikh martyrs and remember their extraordinary sacrifice.
Speaking at the event, Mehnga Singh Khakh, Harmeek Singh, Sukhmandeep Kaur, Khahish Kahlon, Surinder Singh Sohi, Jeevan Singh Dosanjh, teacher Karamjit Kaur, Gobind Singh Dhillon, Kulwinder Jagraon, Giani Santokh Singh, Gurjant Singh Khaira, Kalwant Kaur, Charanjit Singh Atwal and Balwinder Singh Ruby, among others, paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Saragarhi martyrs.
The speakers said that the Battle of Saragarhi was far more than a historic military engagement. It represented courage, loyalty, duty, determination and self-sacrifice, values that continue to inspire generations.
They emphasised the importance of ensuring that young people growing up in Australia understand the rich history of Sikh soldiers and their contributions to military service and the wider history of Australia and the world.
Narinder Singh Charlie and Pritpal Singh also contributed their services to the event.
Community members including Sunny Singh, Harmohan Walia , Rajwant Singh, Harinder Singh and Surinder Manku, along with others, praised Panjabi Heritage of Australia and the Australian Sikh Association for organising the commemorative event and keeping alive the memory of the Saragarhi martyrs.
The ceremony witnessed strong participation from people of different age groups, children, families and community organisations. Participants came together in unity to remember the 21 Sikh soldiers and salute their extraordinary bravery.
Organisers Devinder Singh Dharia and Harkirat Singh Sandhar said the primary purpose of holding such commemorative events is to preserve the significant chapters of Sikh history and pass them on to future generations.
They said that by introducing children and young people to the stories of Sikh warriors, their sacrifices and achievements, the community can ensure that this important heritage remains alive and continues to inspire generations to come.
