Book on Sikh warriors during World Wars

Neha Saini

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 12

A veteran soldier and now a philanthropist, Satnam Singh Aulakh has written a book on the Sikh warriors who fought in significant battles in history, including the World Wars I and II. A soldier himself, who served 20 years in the Border Security Force and faught in the 1965 and 1971 wars, Aulakh has traced the glorious battle history of Sikh warriors and soldiers along with some of the members of his family. “I migrated to the US after an early retirement from the services in 1983. During one of my visits to India, I happened to know more about my grandfather’s battle feats as a soldier in World War I and conceived the idea of a book. I started my research in 2004 and came up with the book titled “Sikh Warriors in World Wars,” said Aulakh, who is visiting Amritsar for the release of his book.

His roots in Patiala village near Preet Nagar, Aulakh says that the book gives a brief account of Sikh warriors and generals starting from the creation of first Sikh cavalry by Guru Gobind Singh. The book features accounts of Banda Bahadur, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and later gives an account of the Sikh soldiers fighting in the West Asia and Mesopotamian front during the World Wars.

“Considered skilled soldiers and courageous, Sikh soldiers fought at the most conflicted fronts like modern Iraq and Belgium. They travelled in the desert carrying Guru Granth Saheb and were able to capture significant cities. The book is a dedication to all bravehearts, who over the years, have managed to bring glory to the community,” he said. He requested for detailed information regarding various Sikh soldiers, who fought in European armies from Belgium, British and Indian governments. “I wrote to the respective governments of the countries and received all data regarding the World Wars, including a special reply from the ex-Prime Minister of England, Tony Blair. I was given access to all the information regarding my grandfather, who had fought in British army in WWI. Thereon, other stories followed,” he informs.

The founder president of Punjab Heritage of Chicago, Satwant Singh, will release his book at Virsa Vihar in city over the weekend. He hopes that his book serves as an inspiration for young generation to learn more about sacrifice and loyalty. “I come back every year to serve my community in my village in Patiala, near the border. I support Government Senior Secondary School, the community centre and upgrading the system of various basic amenities in the area. I hope that reading about the past glory of their ancestors and the endless sacrifices for their land, the Punjabi youth focus more on serving the interest of the motherland.”