People gathered at Victoria Park, Leicester to see the statue of a Sikh soldier being unveiled. The bronze statue honours Sikhs who fought for the United Kingdom during the two World Wars and many other conflicts around the world. Although accounting for less than 2% of the population of British India at the time, Sikhs made up more than 20% of the British Indian Army at the outbreak of hostilities during the Great War.
Sitting on a granite plinth, the statue will be permanently based on Victoria Park. The statue has been created by artist Taranjit Singh (Taran3d). It will complement the existing war memorials in Peace Walk. The Sikh Troops War Memorial Committee commissioned the statue which has been paid for by donations from Sikh congregations, the wider public and city council community ward funding.
The proceeding started with stage secretary-Gurinder Athwal announcing a number of speakers including: City Mayor-Peter Soulsby, Deputy Mayor- Piara Singh Clair, Major General Celia Harvey Deputy Commander Field Army, Lt Colonel David Young TD DL. A vote of thanks was given by Jasbir Mann-headteacher from Leicester.
This was followed by a parade led by the Panj Pyare (5 beloved) Sikhs, Motor Bikers, a Bagpiper, school children from Falcons Primary School, officials from the armed forces, cadets, Police officers and members of the Fire Service. The statue was then unveiled by several dignities: including Ajmer Singh Basra, President of the War Memorial Committee
Taranjit Singh, Artist and 3d developer sculptor, said: “It’s something that I brought my children here to see today and something my grandchildren will see in the future.
“I’m really proud that we can celebrate this shared history that we have with British people. It’s just amazing. I just feel over the moon.”
Historian and project coordinator Gurinder Singh Mann stated “the sacrifice of the Sikhs in the World Wars and other campaigns have been underrepresented in the mainstream”. He continued: “It has been a great project to work on. The Sikh statue in Leicester will create an arena for greater dialogue and continued interfaith relations in the city and further afield. Moreover, it will serve as an educational tool for future generations.”
The event was attended by local councilors, MP’s from across the country and the sangat from Leicester and further afield. Thanks to Punjab2000 for the photography and videos.
