Latest news with #BritishIndianArmy
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Demand for Sikh regiment in British Army peaks, minister says open to idea
Following calls for a dedicated Sikh regiment in the British Army, comprising members of the community in the UK, the Keir Starmer-led government has said that it's open to the idea. Earlier this month, Labour peer Lord Kuldip Singh Sahota raised the issue in the House of Lords, citing the loyalty and courage of Sikh soldiers in both World Wars, The UK Defence Journal Defence Minister Vernon Rodney Coaker expressed his willingness to discuss the matter with the Sikh in July, Sahota, in the House of Lords, asked about progress on long-standing calls for such a unit in the British responded that he was open to discussions, saying, "I am quite happy to meet him (Sahota) to see what more we can do to recognise the contribution of soldiers such as Sikhs, and those of many other faiths as well".Notably, according to The Royal Logistic Corps Association, there were 130 Sikh soldiers in the British Army and another 70 serving across defence forces in 2019. However, media reports estimate that the number of Sikh soldiers in the British Army to have risen to around 160 in Minister Coaker, in the first week of July, pointed to the Victory over Japan Day commemorations on August 15, as a moment to reflect on the global wartime sacrifices of the British forces. "Not least among that were the Sikhs of the world, who played a valiant part," the UK Defence Journal quoted him as no firm commitment was made, the conversation signals fresh momentum to acknowledge Sikh military history in the British Armed A NEW IDEA TO HAVE SIKH REGIMENT IN THE BRITISH ARMYThis isn't a new 2015, Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois told the House of Commons that General Nicholas Carter, then-Chief of the General Staff, was reviewing the feasibility of a Sikh unit, possibly a reserve Defence Minister Sir Nicholas Soames urged the government to "do away with political correctness" and establish the regiment, praising the "extraordinary gallant and distinguished service by Sikhs to this country down the generations".Francois had in 2015 noted the proposal's merits, saying it was raised by several MPs and was under consideration. The discussions emphasised carrying forward the traditions of Sikh regiments from the British Indian Army, though no action ASSOCIATED WITH BRITISH ARMY SINCE MID-19TH CENTURYSikhs have served in the British military since the 1840s, after the annexation of the Sikh Empire in British colonisers, to bolster their grip, categorised military regiments in the British Indian Army by caste, religion, and region, designating Sikhs, Gurkhas, Jats, Rajputs, Nagas, and many others as "martial races" that were suited for recruited heavily from Punjab after the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence, as the community was deemed divisive strategy prioritised military utility over the cultural depth of the Sikhs transformed this imposed label into a legacy of the late 19th century, Sikhs were a cornerstone of the British Indian Army, serving in regiments like the Sikh Regiment and Punjab per the UK Defence Journal, in World War I, over 1,00,000 Sikhs fought in France, East Africa, Mesopotamia, and Gallipoli, earning Victoria Crosses in battles like Neuve were less than 2% of British India's population but 20% of its World War II, 3,00,000 Sikhs served in North Africa, Italy, and Southeast Asia, their impact huge in combat and support roles, the journal also India's Independence, the Sikhs became a part of the Indian Army, though some still serve in the UK LEGACY CAN LINK COLONIAL TIES TO MODERN BRITAINA Sikh regiment would be similar to the Brigade of Gurkhas, which recruits from Nepal and Indian Nepali-speaking communities, linking colonial ties with today's British Army.A Sikh regiment could do the same for Britain as the Gurkha Regiment has, boosting diversity in the British 2015 push did not yield results, but Coaker's openness a decade later could signal a shift in the British Army.- Ends advertisement
Deccan Herald
25-06-2025
- General
- Deccan Herald
The legacy of sarkar parents
My father served as a sepoy in the British Indian Army during World War II. After the war, he was demobbed due to retrenchment and subsequently became a postman. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Kerala faced dire poverty and rampant unemployment. Students frequently went on strike. Reflecting on my childhood and youth, I recall the struggle to find enough food to eat. Despite the hardships, my father remained resolute in his commitment to educate his seven children. His ambition was for all of us to pursue higher education, a noble aspiration world as their those days, educational institutions were scarce, compelling one to journey to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, 25 km away from our humble abode. In 1968, I believed my scholarly pursuits had culminated with the completion of tenth grade; however, to my astonishment, that very year saw the establishment of a junior college just 3 km from our home, courtesy of a benevolent landowner. My father, struggling financially, relinquished all of my mother's gold to secure my enrolment, his eldest son, in this institution. Pursuing my undergraduate studies diligently within those same walls, I succeeded in securing a place in the MA programme at Hindu College in Changanassery, thanks to the guidance of my mentor, Prof Gomathi journey was fraught with adversity, including multiple expulsions for unpaid hostel dues. Yet, with steadfast resolve, I persevered and triumphed, achieving the highest distinction in the PG History examination from Hindu College. This milestone marked a pivotal juncture in my life, as I became the first postgraduate with a BEd degree in my village, inspiring my siblings to follow suit, albeit to the limits of their undergraduate what seemed an interminable wait, a government position finally materialised for our family – no frivolous feat for many families residing in the village during that era. Herein lies the remarkable significance of a mother's unwavering resolve and a father's diligent labour, which cannot be the first time, a mother from our modest village saw all her children ascend to esteemed roles as government officials. Thus, our mother, who had only completed a sixth-grade education, earned the endearing title of Sarkar Amma (mother of government employees) among the villagers, while our father, with his tenth-grade education, was affectionately dubbed Sarkar Appa (father of government employees)..I take pride in being the first government college professor from my village, having retired from a distinguished position. My siblings have likewise retired from esteemed roles, while my youngest brother continues to serve as personal staff to the governor of became a beacon of inspiration, motivating many fellow villagers to aspire for higher education and governmental roles, a credit that solely belongs to our parents. We, their children, owe an everlasting debt of gratitude to our dearly departed mother and father for everything they bestowed upon us.
Leader Live
19-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Royal British Legion calls on VJ Day veterans to join 80th anniversary
Veterans and their families are invited as guests of honour to the event, which will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on August 15. VJ Day marks the anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allies following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, effectively ending the Second World War. The service will pay tribute to all those who served in the Asia-Pacific theatre, including Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans, former prisoners of war, and those who fought in pivotal battles including Kohima and Imphal in India. Veteran Owen Filer, 105, who served in India on VJ Day in 1945 and will attend the event, said: 'This is a significant moment for my generation and for all those who served out there and back home before Japan surrendered. 'It will be an honour to be with the Royal British Legion and fellow veterans 80 years after the world went through so much, and to remember those who never made it back.' He added: 'I would encourage all my comrades to visit the RBL's website and register for what will be a very poignant day.' This event comes just weeks after the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked victory in Europe. New research, commissioned by the RBL, estimates that only around 8,000 Second World War veterans remain in England and Wales, based on data from the 2021 Census and ONS projections. The charity warns that this number is expected to fall below 300 by the 90th anniversary. Mark Atkinson, director-general of the RBL, said: 'The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is likely to be one of the last opportunities as a nation to thank those veterans still with us today for their service and sacrifice. 'We owe it to all those with a connection to VJ Day to pause and reflect on their contribution and legacy.' The RBL said the research, carried out by Rand Europe, is part of its work to better understand and support the changing needs of the Armed Forces community. Angela Kitching, RBL's director of campaigns, policy and research, said: 'These new findings are the result of a decades-long effort by the RBL to improve data on veterans living in this country.' Veterans or their families can register to attend by visiting
Glasgow Times
19-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Royal British Legion calls on VJ Day veterans to join 80th anniversary
Veterans and their families are invited as guests of honour to the event, which will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on August 15. VJ Day marks the anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allies following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, effectively ending the Second World War. The service will pay tribute to all those who served in the Asia-Pacific theatre, including Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans, former prisoners of war, and those who fought in pivotal battles including Kohima and Imphal in India. Veteran Owen Filer, 105, who served in India on VJ Day in 1945 and will attend the event, said: 'This is a significant moment for my generation and for all those who served out there and back home before Japan surrendered. 'It will be an honour to be with the Royal British Legion and fellow veterans 80 years after the world went through so much, and to remember those who never made it back.' He added: 'I would encourage all my comrades to visit the RBL's website and register for what will be a very poignant day.' This event comes just weeks after the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked victory in Europe. Veteran Owen Filer, 105, served in India on VJ Day in 1945 (The Royal British Legion/PA) New research, commissioned by the RBL, estimates that only around 8,000 Second World War veterans remain in England and Wales, based on data from the 2021 Census and ONS projections. The charity warns that this number is expected to fall below 300 by the 90th anniversary. Mark Atkinson, director-general of the RBL, said: 'The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is likely to be one of the last opportunities as a nation to thank those veterans still with us today for their service and sacrifice. 'We owe it to all those with a connection to VJ Day to pause and reflect on their contribution and legacy.' The RBL said the research, carried out by Rand Europe, is part of its work to better understand and support the changing needs of the Armed Forces community. Angela Kitching, RBL's director of campaigns, policy and research, said: 'These new findings are the result of a decades-long effort by the RBL to improve data on veterans living in this country.' Veterans or their families can register to attend by visiting
North Wales Chronicle
19-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Royal British Legion calls on VJ Day veterans to join 80th anniversary
Veterans and their families are invited as guests of honour to the event, which will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on August 15. VJ Day marks the anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allies following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, effectively ending the Second World War. The service will pay tribute to all those who served in the Asia-Pacific theatre, including Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans, former prisoners of war, and those who fought in pivotal battles including Kohima and Imphal in India. Veteran Owen Filer, 105, who served in India on VJ Day in 1945 and will attend the event, said: 'This is a significant moment for my generation and for all those who served out there and back home before Japan surrendered. 'It will be an honour to be with the Royal British Legion and fellow veterans 80 years after the world went through so much, and to remember those who never made it back.' He added: 'I would encourage all my comrades to visit the RBL's website and register for what will be a very poignant day.' This event comes just weeks after the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked victory in Europe. New research, commissioned by the RBL, estimates that only around 8,000 Second World War veterans remain in England and Wales, based on data from the 2021 Census and ONS projections. The charity warns that this number is expected to fall below 300 by the 90th anniversary. Mark Atkinson, director-general of the RBL, said: 'The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is likely to be one of the last opportunities as a nation to thank those veterans still with us today for their service and sacrifice. 'We owe it to all those with a connection to VJ Day to pause and reflect on their contribution and legacy.' The RBL said the research, carried out by Rand Europe, is part of its work to better understand and support the changing needs of the Armed Forces community. Angela Kitching, RBL's director of campaigns, policy and research, said: 'These new findings are the result of a decades-long effort by the RBL to improve data on veterans living in this country.' Veterans or their families can register to attend by visiting
