AI Generated Summary
- In a moment of pride for Punjab and the global Sikh community, Captain Jay (Jagjett) Singh-Sohal has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his exceptional work in honouring Sikh and Commonwealth soldiers.
- For many in Britain and Punjab alike, the award represents a meaningful step in ensuring that the sacrifices and service of Sikh soldiers are formally recognised and remembered.
- The monument stands as a permanent tribute to the tens of thousands of Sikh servicemen who fought with distinction on the battlefields of Europe and beyond.
In a moment of pride for Punjab and the global Sikh community, Captain Jay (Jagjett) Singh-Sohal has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his exceptional work in honouring Sikh and Commonwealth soldiers. The award was presented by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, during an investiture ceremony at St James’s Palace in London.
Captain Singh-Sohal, a British Sikh with strong family roots in Jalandhar, has spent years championing the recognition of Sikh soldiers who fought for Britain—particularly during the First World War. His most notable achievement is the creation of the UK’s first national memorial dedicated to Sikh soldiers, unveiled in 2015 at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The monument stands as a permanent tribute to the tens of thousands of Sikh servicemen who fought with distinction on the battlefields of Europe and beyond.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Singh-Sohal’s connection to Punjab runs deep. His paternal grandparents hailed from Sang Dhesian in Phillaur, Jalandhar, and his maternal grandparents came from Kapurthala—communities with rich military heritage.
Now 42 and living in Royal Sutton Coldfield, Singh-Sohal has balanced his public advocacy with 16 years of service as an Army Reservist. Speaking after the ceremony, he described the honour as “humbling,” adding that it reflects not only his personal journey but also the broader story of Sikh contribution to British history.
For many in Britain and Punjab alike, the award represents a meaningful step in ensuring that the sacrifices and service of Sikh soldiers are formally recognised and remembered. Captain Singh-Sohal’s work continues to inspire efforts to highlight the shared history that binds the UK and the Commonwealth.
As the OBE ceremony concluded, supporters celebrated not just an individual achievement but a milestone for representation, remembrance, and the enduring legacy of Sikh bravery.
