Role of the Sikh Soldiers in World Wars Lauded during Seminar at Khalsa College of Education

“Sikhs displayed immense courage and bravery in World Wars”: Dr. Dominiek

Amritsar, April 11 (Punjab Post Bureau) – The participation and role of Sikhs in the World Wars was lauded during a Seminar on `Role of Sikhs in World Wars’, organized at Khalsa College of Education, Amritsar. Dr. Dominiek Dendooven, a researcher and historian from Belgium said in his keynote address that martial soldiers played an exemplary role to protect democracy and civilization in Europe during the wars. He said most of the countries in Europe today owe their freedom to the brave soldiers from India in general and Punjab in particular. He 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.

Historian Bhupinder Singh Holland, who has written two books on Role of Sikhs in World Wars said that though Sikhs were the miniscule of India’s population then even then their participation in the wars was up to 25 per cent. He said the world is now recognizing the unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect democracy and human rights in foreign lands.

In his opening remarks Khalsa College Governing Council honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, gave an account of the position of Sikh community after the demise of the great Maharaja Ranjit Singh and how the brave Sikhs fought for European countries including England, France and others. He called upon the historians to research and make public the datas relating how many soldiers perished during the wars.

The delegates were welcomed earlier by Principal Dr. Harpreet Kaur on their arrival at the campus. She also said Sikh troops played a crucial role in the world wars and they fought bravely for freedom and Britain and the World.

KCGC Member, Principal and Sikh heritage proponent Dr. Davinder Singh Chhina elaborated in details the Sikh philosophy and heritage and how the community members following the path of their revered Gurus, stood for the peace and harmony. He lauded the efforts by Dr. Dominiek and Holland for collecting data and of the nation and world need to be apprised about the role of Sikh soldiers in World Wars.

Harpreet Singh Bhatti grandson of such a brave soldier from Gurdaspur gave the example of his own family and how they have protected and saved the relics and honours given to their family by the British.