WW 1 Sikh heroes remembered at Sarwali village memorial

A remembrance ceremony was organised in Gurdaspur in memory of bravehearts of World War 1 (WW1) from Sarwali village, including Havildar Kala Singh of the 45 Rattray Sikhs (now 3 Sikh Battalion) and Sepoy Hazara Singh of the same battalion on their martyrdom anniversary. The event was also held to mark the 107th Armistice Day of the First World War, during which floral tributes and homage were offered to the martyrs.

Major General Balwinder Singh, VSM (retd), convener, INTACH Punjab, who addressed participant at the event, said the legacy of Sikh soldiers of WWI remained invaluable and intangible heritage of Punjabis. A ceremonial guard was presented by the 4 Sikh (Saragarhi) Battalion of the Sikh Regiment under the command of Subedar Harpreet Singh, representing the Station Commander, Tibri Cantonment, on the occasion.

“The brave soldiers of the Indian Army which was the British Indian Army at the time, who laid down their lives during the war are the priceless heritage of our nation and must always be remembered with reverence. At a time when immigration from Punjab is increasing, youth and all responsible sections of society must rethink and work collectively to shape a better present and future,” said Maj Gen Balwinder Singh.

He also encouraged young people to take full advantage of opportunities for recruitment in the Indian Army and to contribute towards the preservation of Punjab’s cultural and historical heritage.

Kuwar Amritbir Singh, who is also known as the Push-Up Man of India, and has made more than 50 records, also addressed the youth on the occasion asking them to stay away from drugs, participate in sports, and work hard with a clear life goal.

The families of the martyrs were honoured by Major General Balwinder Singh, along with Subedar Harpreet Singh (4 Sikh), Kuwar Amritbir Singh (Push-Up Man of India), educators Sunita Sharma, Manjit Singh Sandhu, Gurinder Singh Mehrok (Executive member, Khalsa College Amritsar Global Alumni Association), and Jagmohan Singh.