Belgian historian recalls sacrifices of Sikh soldiers in WW-I

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 27

“Our common history is an opportunity for us to meet, experience each others culture, heritage and build beautiful friendships.” This was stated by Belgian historian Dominiek Dendooven while he was addressidng students, alumni and governing council of Khalsa College here today.

The visiting historian and heritage expert addressed the gathering on the role of Sikh soldiers during WW-I. His first Amritsar visit, which he described as absolutely important and wonderful, coincided with the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom of Sikh soldiers at The WW-I, who fought at Belgian front.

“On 27 April, 100 years ago, Sikh soldiers had died fighting in Ypres, my hometown. I have been studying Sikh history since 1999 and always wanted to visit the Golden Temple as the Sikh history cannot be complete without it. And it is indeed a very special occasion for me,” he said.

Earlier, he also visited the Sikh Museum and Jallianwala Bagh before arriving at Khalsa College. The Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) honorary secretary, Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, and Principal JS Dhillon welcomed Dendooven.

During his presentation at Khalsa College, he refered to rare pictures and historic records he had collected and recalled the supreme sacrifices that the Indians and especially Sikh soldiers made in Europe while fighting the Germans during WW-I. He said, “About 1.2 million Indians volunteered to fight for the British Indian Army in World War-I (WW-I), making them the largest volunteer army in the war. On the other hand, while Sikhs were only two per cent of India’s population, their presence in British Indian Army was above 22 per cent. In WW-I and II, 83,005 Sikhs were killed and 109,045 wounded while fighting for the allied forces against Germans.”

He added that contribution of Sikhs as martial race was immense and their stories of valour and sacrifice were still remembered in parts of Belgium and others.

He said, “Back home, I have been working along with my friend Bhupinder Singh Holland, who is an alumnus of the college and facilitated my visit here. Its tragic how for 80-long years their immense contribution and sacrifice remained forgotten in Belgium until in 1999, we built a memorial dedicated to them. The memorial is in city of Hollebeek, which was the first city Indian troops landed in during the war.”

His mission is to raise awareness across the world regarding Sikh soldiers of the two World wars. Sikh scholar Davinder Singh Chhina also emphasised in promoting cultural harmony between the two countries – India and Belgium, through the research projects. Dendooven also received a dipoma of appreciation from the Khalsa College Governing Council.