Tributes paid to martyrs of Battle of Saragarhi

The Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) organised a memorial event at Sri Kalgidhar Auditorium to remember and celebrate the heroics of the Sikh soldiers, who displayed unparalleled bravery and made the supreme sacrifice in the historic Battle of Saragarhi. The event revived the glorious memory of the 21 Sikh soldiers.

Dr Gurinderpal Singh Josan, Chairman, Saragarhi Foundation, General JJ. Singh (retd), the first Sikh Army Chief of India, and delegates from the British Army were present at the ceremony.

The programme commenced with shabad kirtan by students of Sri Guru Harkrishan International School, Ranjit Avenue, followed by an energetic Gatka performance that showcased the martial spirit of the Sikh warriors.

Chief Khalsa Diwan President Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar extended a warm welcome to the Army delegates and distinguished guests.

In his address, Dr Nijjar described the Battle of Saragarhi as a “towering symbol of the unmatched courage, spirit and sacrifice of Sikh soldiers”, adding that no other episode in history equals their valour. He expressed concern that the younger generation today remains unaware of the Sikh community’s glorious legacy of martyrdom and urged them to stay connected with their faith, heritage, and proud history.

“All 21 soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award available to Indian soldiers at the time,” he mentioned.

A Kavishri Jatha from Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Sultanwind Link Road, paid homage through powerful poetic verses, depicting the unmatched heroism of the 21 Sikh martyrs, who attained immortal glory in the Battle of Saragarhi.

Dr Gurinderpal Singh Josan of the Saragarhi Foundation recounted the events before and after the battle, describing how 21 fearless Sikh soldiers held their ground against 10,000 well-equipped Afghan tribesmen with indomitable courage and resolve. He also shared details about memorials and models established by the foundation in India and abroad to honour the martyrs’ memory. He said, “The story is taught in military academies around the world as an example of valour and duty.”

General JJ Singh (retd), Major General John Kendall, Major Manish Chauhan, and Squadron Leader Mandeep Kaur also lauded the Sikh community’s discipline, valour, mental and physical endurance, and unwavering dedication to duty displayed during the historic battle.

A special highlight of the event was the presence of Santokh Singh, the fifth-generation descendant of Havildar Ishar Singh, the leader of the 21 Saragarhi heroes. He was specially honoured by the Chief Khalsa Diwan for his ancestral connection to the iconic commander.

On this occasion, the Saragarhi Foundation presented a memento of honour to Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar, while the CKD management felicitated the foundation representatives and Army delegates for their contribution to preserving the legacy of Saragarhi.