The Gallipoli landings in WW1 are celebrated by the ANZAC as the respective nation’s cornerstone since the national character of Australia and New Zealand was forged on the beaches of Gallipoli under the fire of Ottoman Turks. The Allies lost at Gallipoli but the ANZAC found glory in the actions of their brethren and continue to honour them.
ANZAC parade commemorating the landings and visit to war memorials demonstrates the nation’s fervour in revering their heroes. However it is also noticeable that very few are aware that Indians also fought in Gallipoli. Whilst the ANZAC warriors of Gallipoli became heroes to rouse their nation, their brother-in-arms from India returned to anonymity and were lost in the pages of history. In a moving tribute, Kemal Atatürk honoured the sacrifices of “Johnnies and Mehmets…”3 , but forgot the Singhs, Bahadurs, Thapas, and Gurungs!
That is no longer true! There is now a recognition of the contributions made by the indian troops of approximately 16000 soldiers. We don’t only have the Veterans from the Indian Tri services marching smartly under the Flag in smart strides and the chest proudly displaying their medals that symbolise their valour and service to their nation.
We have a large community of Retired Servicemen residing here in Sydney either as citizens, PR or visiting parents.
However, more endearing and a moment of great pride is to see the military legacy of the grandfathers being carried forward as they wear the Australian Defence Cadet uniform and pay tribute to the ANZACs
Here are a few photographs of the veterans; grandparents and grandchildren who are part of this continuum. Brigadier Satish Malik is the proud grandfather of two grandsons CUO Veerein and Lance CPLKaran Sheorayan, Maj. Gen B D Sharma and his grand daughter Saanvi Kashyap. Col Dr. Uma Vasudeva the first woman graduate from AFMC and her husband Col PK Vasudeva with their grandson CPL Ari Pandey, Late Major Dr Sucharita Aggarwal and Brig Inder Aggarwal’s grandson SGT Arjun Gupta,
CDT Samarth Pulela Branson of Maj Gen. TS Rao, Marcus Miranda CSM grandson of Wg Cdr Ram Singh, and Wg. cdr A.K Ghose’s grandson Sarthak who is all set to follow his footsteps but in the Australian Air Force!!
Not to be left behind we have the very young Aisha Pasupelati daughter of Cdr Hemanth penning her thoughts about the day.
I would also like to mention here that the Faujis of India are a breed apart and isn’t it amazing that the fact that these young ones are the progeny of Fauji daughters!! Who says girls don’t carry forward traditions and legacies. I’m sure there are many Fauji sons whose children are doing so but I don’t know. Fellow Fauji sons whose children are continuing this legacy, please free to reach out.
So, it’s our poppy too!!
LEST WE FORGET!
