Belgian historian visits Amritsar village to see 7 Sikh martyrs' plaque

Tribune News Service

GS Paul

Amritsar, April 9

Dr Dominiek Dendooven, a world renowned Belgian historian who specialises in World War 1, is on a visit to Sultanwind village in Amritsar.

Reason: He was keen to see the historic plaque installed by the British to recognise the seven Sikh martyrs of World War 1 who laid down their lives fighting alongside British troops and their allies against the mighty Germans.

Accompanied by his wife Mieke De Neve, the historian was accorded a warm welcome at the village by the Vishav Yudh Pehla Ate Duja Shaheed Welfare Society yesterday. The village has a glorious past. As many as 135 soldiers were part of the World War I British troops, out of which seven had attained martyrdom.

The plaque, a marble slab, installed on a dilapidated wall captioned as ‘From this village 135 men went to the Great War 1914-1919. Of these 7 gave up their lives’.

Ironically, the plaque, about which even the locals were unaware, was brought to light by prominent Sikh historian and patron of welfare society Bhupinder Singh Holland, who also accompanied the visiting delegates and paid rich tributes by garlanding and saluting the plaque.

Commending the efforts of Indian soldiers, their resilience and their sacrifices while fighting the Germans, he emphasised on the need to trace the roots of the families of the World War soldiers so that a database could be maintained. He stated that the next generation must carry forward their forefathers’ legacy so that they continue to live on in everybody’s memories.

He said that as India is now becoming a superpower, its former period (pre-colonial rule) where it has played a role on the world stage, gains significance.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#Sikhs