AI Generated Summary
- The state of Punjab today commemorated the 128th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, one of the most valiant chapters in military history, with a solemn state-level ceremony led by Cabinet Minister Dr.
- The day’s observances began with the conclusion of the Akhand Path Sahib, after which the minister paid respects and later honored descendants of the martyrs, including the families of Havildar Ishar Singh, Naik Lal Singh, Lance Naik Chanda Singh, Sepoy Heera Singh, Sepoy Nand Singh, Sepoy Narayan Singh, Sepoy Bhagwan Singh, Sepoy Sahib Singh, and Sepoy Gurmukh Singh.
- She added that it was a matter of pride that all 21 soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest military decoration of its time, equivalent to the Victoria Cross.
The state of Punjab today commemorated the 128th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi, one of the most valiant chapters in military history, with a solemn state-level ceremony led by Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur. The event honored the courage of 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Battalion who stood their ground against overwhelming odds in 1897.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kaur emphasized that the story of Saragarhi remains a timeless source of inspiration, particularly for the youth. “This memorial is a testimony to the unflinching bravery of those gallant soldiers who fought heroically against more than 10,000 adversaries,” she said.
Highlighting the global recognition of the battle, she noted that UNESCO has ranked the encounter among the eight most significant battles ever fought worldwide. She added that it was a matter of pride that all 21 soldiers were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest military decoration of its time, equivalent to the Victoria Cross.
The day’s observances began with the conclusion of the Akhand Path Sahib, after which the minister paid respects and later honored descendants of the martyrs, including the families of Havildar Ishar Singh, Naik Lal Singh, Lance Naik Chanda Singh, Sepoy Heera Singh, Sepoy Nand Singh, Sepoy Narayan Singh, Sepoy Bhagwan Singh, Sepoy Sahib Singh, and Sepoy Gurmukh Singh.
Dr. Kaur also pointed to the government’s ongoing efforts to connect younger generations with Punjab’s rich cultural and martial heritage. “Through initiatives like the construction of a new memorial dedicated to Saragarhi’s warriors, we are ensuring that the sacrifices of these heroes continue to inspire for centuries to come,” she remarked.
The ceremony was attended by senior military and civil dignitaries, including Major-General Ranjit Singh Manral, GOC Golden Arrow Division, Deputy GOC Brigadier Bikram Singh, several MLAs, and district officials. The presence of leaders across sectors underscored the enduring reverence for the Saragarhi martyrs and the state’s commitment to preserving their legacy.
