I was so privileged to receive this presentation from my dear friend and colleague, Councillor Bhupinder Ghakal to mark my contribution to the unveiling of the first UK memorial of its kind commemorating the bravery of 19th century Sikh soldiers.
In September, the Saragarhi Monument was unveiled, created by Black Country sculptor Luke Perry, it stands on land close to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Well Lane, Wednesfield, and was revealed on the 124th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi.
What the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi has taught us (and what we all admire) is the courage, discipline, integrity, loyalty and most of all, the selfless commitment demonstrated by the soldiers in this battle.
It’s those values that all of us, and especially those in power today should aspire to.
This is a monument of the 21 Sikh Soliders but it’s a monument for everyone to admire, to enjoy, to learn from and to reflect on.
And everyone in Wolverhampton, the UK and infact the world is invited to our great city to do so. Regardless of race, religion or any other demographic.. the monument is here for us all and marks a moment in history where Wolverhampton’s diversity is celebrated.
I was hugely honoured to contribute a small part towards this historic event.