AMRITSAR:Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of the epic Saragarhi battle during a special `Remembrance Day’ organized at Khalsa College Public School (KCPS), here today, marking 125th anniversary of the battle. The sacrifices of the 21 soldiers, who laid their lives while fighting 10, 000 Afghan tribal on September 12, 1897 on the Afghanistan border, is quoted as an example in the history of warfare in the world.
The program organized by the school in collaboration with the US based Saragarhi Foundation witnessed the fiery speeches in praise of soldiers’ bravery and cultural presentation paying glowing tributes to those who laid their lives in skirmish. Khalsa College Governing Council honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina termed the Saragarhi Battle as an exemplary tale in the world when 21 Sikh soldiers showed an unparalleled act of bravery.
The Sikh soldiers fought against a large number of Afghan tribal and held the frontal the then British post till their last breath. These kinds of examples are only rare in world history. This is why the Saragarhi battle is one of the top ten toughest battles of the world”, said Chhina, adding that the Sikhs are known to sacrifice their lives for the protection of their motherland.
Chairman of Saragarhi Foundation Gurinder Pal Singh Josan who is spearheading the movement to give due honours to the unsung heroes of Saragarhi, said he collected all data relating the families of the martyrs. While releasing an information booklet, he said Saragarhi was one of the top unforgettable battles and is quoted as an example in the history of warfare world over.
He said a special delegation of the UK Army, led by British Army Brigadier Celia Jane Harvey was expected to take part in the celebrations but they could not take off from London due to the demise of Queen Elizabeth last night. He said the UK Army has recognized the bravery of the Sikh soldiers in their rank and file.
Former Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Manjit Singh, KCGC Joint Secretary Schools Santokh Singh Sethi, Principal AS Gill also spoke on the occasion, paying their tributes to the martyrs. KCGC joint secretary SS Mannan, Foundation President Brigadier (Rtd) Jatinder Singh Arora, Advisor, Ravneet Bawa, Principals of various Colleges and Schools were present on the occasion.