Punjab Post Daily Online Newspaper & Print Media
Seminar on Epic battle-Saragarhi and `Memorial Stone’ installed at Khalsa College
Amritsar, 12 Dec (Punjab Post Bureau) – The role of the Sikh soldiers during the World War-I and II was an 
exemplary and the European countries owe their freedom it to the brave soldiers from Punjab. This was stated by British Army Brigadier Celia Jane Harvey who was speaking at the seminar on `Epic Battle of Saragarhi’ at Khalsa College Public School.
She arrived here as head of the British Army delegation and showered praises at Sikh community which she said is respected worldwide for its bravery and immense sacrifices. “Sikhs have sacrificed their lives for the protection of the oppressed, the helpless and other religions”, she said giving the example of Saragarhi battle which is historic even in the world history. “Just 21 brave Sikh soldiers faced 10,000 Afghans tribal men and fought till last breadth”, said Colonel Johan Kendall, who was also part of the delegation.
Col. Kendall said Punjabis living abroad have made a significant contribution to the prosperity of the countries including UK, Canada and US. Earlier Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Kahlon. President of saragarh Foundation, gave a detailed account of the Saragarhi battle and how Sikhs draw their power and sacrificing spirit from the lives of Gurus and sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He said in all the wars with Pakistan, the role of the Sikhs was unique and their service to the motherland is recorded in the history.
Chairman of Saragarhi Foundation Gurinder Pal Singh Josan who was instrumental in bringing the UK delegation said the British Army officials wanted to interact with the Punjabi people to get glimpses of the culture. He quoted from his book regarding how the 21 Sikhs who laid lives in the battle of Saragarghi were remembered today at world level for their exemplary valour.
Dr. Davinder Singh Chhina also pointed how the people in Belgium and Holland remember the role of the Sikhs in the world wars and they are indebted to them for their freedom. He said India and especially Punjab share a history of sharing of traditions with the British and Khalsa College is the torch bearer of the Punjabi culture and history.
Earlier a `stone’ belonging to the Saragarhi Fort was donated to Khalsa College’s Sikh History Research Centre which was installed in the presence of Dr. Mehal Singh, Principal of the Khalsa College, Amritsar. Dr. Mehal Singh provided information about the College’s fascinating building and its 127-year old rich history.
The members of the delegation were earlier welcomed by KCPC Principal AS Gill. Captain Kaiz Biktran, Captain Jagjit Singh Sohal Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Wood, Principal Khalsa College Dr. Mehal Singh, BS Holland, Dr. GS Walia, Gurinder Singh, Harpreet Singh Bhatti.
