Tributes paid to WW-1 & II soldiers at Sultanwind

The sacrifice and indomitable courage of Sikh soldiers, who fought in World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945), was solemnly commemorated today at a grand annual function held in Sultanwind, Amritsar.

The event was organised by the Vishav Yudh 1st & 2nd Shaheed Welfare Society, Sultanwind, Amritsar. The ceremony featured tributes and a solemn wreath-laying at the local memorial (where a plaque is installed by the British) to honour the gallant soldiers. The event had chief guest Jathedar Baba Major Singh Sodhi, Head, Dasmesh Tarna Dal. Numerous esteemed ex-Army officers, civil guests, schoolchildren and NCC cadets attended, with the Punjab Home Guards presenting a guard of honour.

A special moment was the attendance of the family of Risaldar Badloo Singh, who was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest decoration for gallantry in the British Empire. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by Sikh soldiers.

The day commenced with Sri Sukhmani Sahib Path, followed by the event at Pathshahi Sixth Gurdwara Atari Sahib, Sultanwind Pind, Amritsar. A march was organised from Gurdwara Attari Sahib to the historical plaque, which was installed by the British to honour the Sikh soldiers and martyrs of World War I, who went to war from village Sultanwind. A guard of honour was also presented by a contingent of Punjab Home Guards there.

Sikh scholar and historian Bhupinder Singh Holland (Sikh historian) and several other dignitaries presented their views on reserving memories of Sikh soldiers of World Wars.

The president of the Vishav Yudh 1st & 2nd Shaheed Welfare Society, Dr Gurinder Singh Mahal, reiterated the event's mission — to not only remember the sacrifices but also to inspire future generations with the universal values of duty, courage and selfless service demonstrated by the soldiers.