House marks 1918 War Conference anniv
The Delhi Legislative Assembly on Thursday organised a symposium to mark the 108th anniversary of the 1918 War Conference, bringing into focus India’s role in World War I and the legacy of its soldiers, with Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Singh paid tribute to the spirit of Indian soldiers, saying, “A soldier does not fight for reward, but for duty, honour, and the belief that his sacrifice will serve the nation.” He highlighted that over 1.3 million Indian soldiers participated in World War I, with nearly 74,000 losing their lives, many of whom are commemorated at India Gate.
He emphasised that Indian soldiers fought with a deep sense of duty rather than compulsion. “They did not fight with a slave mentality, but with honour and commitment, drawing inspiration from the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita,” he said, adding that their contributions extended beyond the battlefield to logistics, finance and resources despite India being under colonial rule.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who presided over the event, underlined the importance of preserving history. “A nation that does not preserve its records loses its memory, and a nation that loses its memory loses its direction,” he said. Gupta noted the historical significance of the Assembly premises, which hosted the original 1918 War Conference convened by Lord Chelmsford and attended by Mahatma Gandhi. He described the transformation of the site from a symbol of colonial authority to a democratic institution as a milestone in India’s freedom struggle.
Reflecting on the period, the Speaker said the conference represented both trust and betrayal, as Indian leaders supported the British war effort in the hope of self-governance but were met with repressive measures such as the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
“Nearly 1.3 million Indian soldiers served across regions such as France, Mesopotamia and East Africa, and their sacrifices form a foundational chapter in our journey to independence,” he added.
On the occasion, a commemorative book titled “Proceedings of the War Conference held at Delhi, 27th–29th April 1918” was released by the Governor in collaboration with the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti.
