French historian releases book on WWI

Tribune News Service

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Ludhiana, March 16

French Historian, Douglas Gressiux, launched his book at an event in the Sarabha Nagar to celebrate the Franco-Punjab relationship.

The book titled ‘Les Troupes Indiennes en France 1914-18’ talks about those Indian soldiers who fought alongside French army during the First World War.

Small placards showcasing the glorious association of Punjab and France were displayed at the event. A photo montage depicting French-Sikh connection was also displayed.

“I think, after the historic French cultural, military and logistic contribution to Lahore, Kapurthala and Chandigarh, it is time to link up Ludhiana and launch of this book is the beginning”, said Harjinder Singh Kukreja, social activist and host of the event.

“We cherish in our hearts the rose pinned by a French lady to the chest of a Sikh soldier on the streets of Paris nearly a century ago. The fragrance of the rose is still fresh in our minds and will continue to inspire us to explore our glorious past”, said Douglas Gressiux at his book launch.

Ludhiana-the Manchester of India, has a growing youth population with keen interest in French and European political developments, languages and the rising xenophobia in recent times. “There is vast potential for Punjab to set up a centre for Punjab-Paris cooperation in many areas.” said Harjinder Singh Kukreja.

Among the many countries that have participated alongside the French in the World War I, India has also the special place, especially Punjab. Punjab, then under British rule, made a huge contribution in WWI in the North of France.

The author and historian, Douglas Gressieux has been working for 20 years on memories of soldiers of Indian origin in France. He is an expert on the role of Sikh soldiers in World War I and has been working with Sikhs de France, an organisation that represents French Sikhs to highlight the role of Sikh soldiers who fought the war for the freedom of France.