Latest news with #BritishIndianArmy
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian envoy to China pays tribute to Indian soldiers who defended Hong Kong in World War I
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat on Wednesday laid a wreath at the Indian Soldiers' War Memorial in Hong Kong, paying tribute to the Indian soldiers who defended the territory during World War I (1914-1919). The ceremony was held to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who served in the British Indian Army. The Indian Soldiers' War Memorial, built in 1928, stands as a lasting symbol of their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Erected by public subscription, the memorial honours the memory of Indian soldiers who served in Hong Kong during WWI, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Over the years, it has been a place of solemn remembrance and has welcomed distinguished Indian dignitaries, including Vice President Dr S Radhakrishnan (1957) and President Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma (1991), reaffirming the deep historical ties and shared respect between India and Hong Kong. This year's ceremony also marked the successful completion of enhancement works at the memorial, ensuring the site is preserved with the dignity it deserves. In a post on social media X, the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong wrote 'Ambassador of India to the People's Republic of China H.E. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat laid a wreath at the renovated Indian Soldiers' War Memorial in Hong Kong, joined by Consul General @SatwantKhanalia & members of the Indian Diaspora at a solemn commemoration event organized on 25 May, 2025. A tribute funded by @DefenceMinIndia & executed by the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong with the Hindu Association Hong Kong - honouring Indian soldiers & inspiring future generations.' Meanwhile, earlier today Consul General Satwant Khanalia met local Indian artist Biren Kapadia. Kapadia presented an evocative acrylic canvas to Khanalia which would find a place of honour Consulate Visitors Reception area. 'Consul General @SatwantKhanalia was happy to meet talented local Indian artist Mr. Biren Kapadia who presented an evocative watercolour/acrylic on canvas titled 'Into the Wild' which will shortly find a place of honour in the Consulate Visitors' Reception area. Mr. Kapadia likes to paint giant, gentle creatures such as whales & elephants & said that the process of painting gives him a sense of peace, with constructive feedback from his wife & grandson. Let's all find our own unique way of connecting with nature & path to inner peace,' the post on the official account of Consulate General of India in Hong Kong read. (ANI)
Scroll.in
5 days ago
- General
- Scroll.in
Ghee Bowman (1961-2025): A British historian who unearthed the stories of Indian soldiers at Dunkirk
One day in 2013, when Ghee Bowman was working on a project on the city of Exeter's multicultural history, he found a book featuring three photographs of Indian soldiers in the English county of Devon during the Second World War. It piqued his curiosity. 'I thought I knew about the Second World War, but I'd never imagined that there were Indian soldiers with turbans and mules in Devon,' he wrote. Though he had a BA in drama, Bowman decided to start an MA in history – and went on to write a PhD dissertation on the 4,227 men of Force K6 contingent who spent most of the war in England. Through their stories, he shone the spotlight on the often-ignored contribution of the 2.5 million men and women of the British Indian Army who had served during the Second World War When Bowman started digging, he found that the British Army arrayed against Nazi Germany in Europe early in the war needed mules to transport artillery and supplies. The men of Force K6 and their mules were shipped in from India, more than 11,000 km away. Several had been evacuated from Dunkirk in France in 1940 when the Allied defense collapsed and spent years in England. Play Before Bowman died on May 10, he had spent the previous 12 years researching the Indian Army in Europe during the Second World War. His two books on the subjects are superbly researched and cracking reads. Bowman's first book was The Indian Contingent – The Forgotten Muslim Soldiers of the Battle of Dunkirk, published in 2020. It is the story of the 299 men of the 25th Animal Transport Company of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps. Because the British used to group men of the same religion and creed together, these men were mainly Muslim. The role of Indian soldiers fighting in North Africa and Italy during the war had been documented. But little was known about the men who were in France. The Great Epinal Escape – Indian Prisoners of War in German Hands was published in late 2024. Bowman had been toying with the title The Greatest Escape, a reference to the popular movie about the war, The Great Escape. It was about the escape of 500 Indian prisoners of war from a camp at Epinal in France in 1944. On May 11, 1944, American planes bombed a camp at Epinal in France housing 3,000 Indian prisoners, breaking some walls. Several hundred escaped, of whom 500 reached Switzerland. It was the largest PoW escape during the Second World War. Though the Indians were conspicuous in the middle of France, they managed to make their way across the border through their grit and the bravery of civilians who helped them along the way. #OTD 11th May 1944; a sunny day in Épinal, a small town on the river Moselle, close to the Vosges mountains and Germany. The scene is set: nobody knows that this quiet French place, untouched by war since 1940, will become the site of the largest POW escape of #WW2 🧵 — Ghee Bowman (@GheeBowman) May 12, 2024 Very little has been written about the experience of individual Indian soldiers in the Second World War. With his micro-histories, Bowman took a step towards filling this gap – and pointed the way for other researchers to do so too. Besides, in a time of rising xenophobia in the UK, Bowman's work serves as a reminder of the long presence of South Asians – and Muslims – in the country and their contributions to keeping it secure at one of its most vulnerable moments. After submitting the manuscript for his second book, Bowman wondered how he could do more to tell the story of Indian soldiers during the Second World War. About six months ago, he decided that he had he hit upon the best and most gratifying way of doing this – not by writing more books or articles and making podcasts but by helping families get to know more about a grandfather or uncle who had fought in the conflict. This would not result in thousands of social media posts and perhaps only one family would get to know about the work. But to Bowman, helping even one person trace their family history was priceless. 'I'm very happy to share what I already know with families and the wider Indian public,' he wrote. 'I've got letters, photos, recommendations for medals that I've found in archives and newspapers. I would love to be able to restore these to the descendants of these brave men.' He decided to co-opt the willing and reached out to researchers across the world. He created a page on his website listing useful resources. I was proud to be his man in India and Southeast Asia These four men were soldiers of the Indian Army, part of #ForceK6 – Muslim Punjabis sent 7000 miles to help the British in its hour of need. Here are some of their officers inspecting coastal defences in November 1941. — Ghee Bowman (@GheeBowman) August 6, 2024 I had the privilege of getting to know Bowman in June 2023, when I reached out to him as I had just begun researching the Indian Army in World War II Singapore. He helped me find sources, to write a book proposal and introduced me to his publishers and others who turned out to be crucial for my own book. Even as he was trying to help family members trace their relatives, Bowman had been going through a grave personal health crisis. In his regular newsletter in May 2024, he mentioned that he had a fall. His last newsletter was on February 1. He said he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy and doing well. He died three months later. Bowman once described himself as 'a historian, teacher and story teller…a Quaker and a lifelong learner'. He was all that and much more – he helped others without any gain for himself.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Branded a stranger by Labour on an island I call home
Jenni Daiches writes about her sense of alienation from the party after Keir Starmer's 'island of strangers' speech (Letters, 22 May). My father fought with the British Indian army in Burma and Singapore as a young officer during the second world war. He even got a mention in the king's dispatches. He elected to stay in the Pakistan army after partition in 1947. I graduated from university in Pakistan and arrived in the UK in 1972 for further studies, and eventually became a UK citizen, as legislation then allowed – a course that many people from that part of the world were encouraged to follow. I joined the Labour party, lived in Finchley, London, and endeavoured to make this country my home. And now Keir Starmer uses such inconsiderate and ill-thought-through language that I have never felt so estranged in my own country. Last week, I ceased being a member of the Labour party. I have never felt so 'othered'. Syed JamalTrefor, Gwynedd Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti 2025: Date, school holiday, biography, contributions & best birthday wishes
Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti 2025: Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti 2025 will be celebrated on 26th May 2025, which falls on a Monday. It marks the birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam. He was a famous Bengali poet, musician, and freedom fighter. This day is a public holiday in Tripura. It is celebrated with joy in West Bengal, Tripura, and Bangladesh. When is Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti 2025? Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti celebrates the birth of Kazi Nazrul Islam. He is famously known as the "Rebel Poet." He was born on 24th May 1899 in Churulia, British India (now in West Bengal). Nazrul was a well-known poet, musician, and freedom fighter. His work inspired people during the fight for independence from British rule. He wrote boldly against social injustice, religious hatred, and gender inequality. He is deeply respected in Bengali literature and culture. Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti School Holiday 2025 In 2025, Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti is a public holiday in Tripura. Schools in the region will stay closed on this day. The holiday gives students and people a chance to take part in cultural programs. Biography of Kazi Nazrul Islam Kazi Nazrul Islam was born into a Bengali Muslim family. He showed interest in the arts from a young age while working with a rural theatre group. He later joined the British Indian Army during World War I. After the war, he became a journalist in Kolkata. There, his nationalist and revolutionary thoughts grew stronger. Nazrul was famous for his fiery poems and songs. He wrote nearly 4,000 songs, known as 'Nazrul Geeti.' These songs are still loved by Bengali-speaking people. Sadly, Nazrul suffered from Pick's disease, a rare brain disorder. His health slowly declined, and he became isolated. In 1972, he moved to Bangladesh. There, he was honoured as the national poet. He passed away in 1976. Famous Contributions of Kazi Nazrul Islam to Bengali Literature Nazrul's poetry was different from traditional Bengali writing. He wrote about freedom, love, equality, and justice. He composed thousands of songs. These songs still influence Bengali music and culture today. Nazrul stood against all kinds of oppression and hate. He supported peace between communities and spoke up for women's rights. His powerful words inspired the fight for freedom in both India and Bangladesh. How is Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti Celebrated? The day is celebrated with cultural programs, poetry recitations, and musical performances. Seminars are also held to highlight Nazrul's life and work. Schools, colleges, and cultural groups organise events. These events honour his role in literature and social change. Best Birthday Wishes for Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti 2025 'Happy Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti 2025! May the spirit of the Rebel Poet inspire us to fight for justice, equality, and freedom every day.' 'On this special day, let's remember the fearless voice of Kazi Nazrul Islam who taught us to stand against oppression. Happy Nazrul Jayanti!' 'Wishing you a meaningful Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti! May his poetry and songs continue to enlighten and empower generations.' 'Happy Birthday to the poet of revolution and love! Kazi Nazrul Islam's legacy will forever inspire us to rise above hatred and injustice.' 'Celebrate the birth anniversary of the great Kazi Nazrul Islam by embracing his message of unity and courage. Happy Nazrul Jayanti 2025!' 'May the fearless words of Kazi Nazrul Islam ignite the flame of hope and change in our hearts. Wishing you a joyful Nazrul Jayanti!' 'Remembering the poet who gave voice to the voiceless. Happy Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti! Let's keep his revolutionary spirit alive.' 'On Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti, let's honor the legacy of a true visionary who fought for freedom with pen and music. Happy Birthday!' 'Wishing everyone a blessed Kazi Nazrul Islam Jayanti 2025! May his teachings inspire peace, harmony, and courage in our lives.' 'Happy Nazrul Jayanti! May the immortal words of Kazi Nazrul Islam continue to guide us towards justice and equality.' Why is Kazi Nazrul Islam Called the Rebel Poet? Kazi Nazrul Islam is known as the "Rebel Poet." His poetry was bold and fearless. He strongly opposed British rule and social injustice. His famous poem Bidrohi ("The Rebel") expresses his defiance against tyranny. It shows his strong spirit to fight for freedom and equality. Nazrul's writings also spoke out against religious hatred and caste discrimination. He stood for unity and justice. His activism went beyond poetry. He took part in protests and was even imprisoned for his views. This made him a true symbol of rebellion and human dignity. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
India Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Not my son, he's prisoner of war: When Gen Cariappa snubbed Pak dictator's offer
"Your son is safe. If you so desire, I shall set him free," said Pakistani President Field Marshal Ayub Khan, as he made a special offer to his former commander, General KM Cariappa (Retd), after the 1965 India-Pakistan son of General Cariappa, KC Cariappa, then a Flight Lieutenant was held in captivity by the Pakistani army after his fighter plane – a Hawker Hunter – was shot down by Pakistani forces in the Khem Karan sector of Punjab in September 1965, just a day before a ceasefire was will not seek for my son anything which I cannot secure for any Indian soldier. He is no longer my son. He is the son of India. Look after all of them [Indian prisoners of war] well. They are all my sons," was the terse message General Cariappa delivered to Ayub Khan. Ayub Khan earlier served under General Cariappa in the British Indian Army, and that might have been the reason for the special offer to his former Cariappa, who was later conferred the title of Field Marshal in 1986, refused to accept any special treatment for his son, Flight Lieutenant KC story of General Cariappa's principled stand is a compelling chapter in India's military history, especially relevant in the wake of the latest armed conflict with Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, sponsored by the hybrid regime of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor, after Pakistan hit civilian and military areas in India, led to a four-day intense mini-war, which was a significant escalation between the two nations after is also relevant as Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir promoted himself to the rank of Field Marshal on May conduct of Field Marshal Cariappa reveals the discipline and integrity of the Indian military, which is in sharp contrast of the coup-addicted Pakistani army. A prime example of that is Ayub Khan himself, who elevated himself to the rank of a Field Marshal after toppling a civilian government in a coup in 1965 India-Pakistan War was triggered after Pakistani forces covertly infiltrated Jammu and Kashmir through its Operation Gibraltar. Even as Pakistan attempted to incite a local uprising in Kashmir, it moved its forces into Gujarat's prompted a full-scale military response from India in August forces crossed the international border, and advanced towards Lahore, while Pakistan launched counteroffensives. The war saw intense battles, including the iconic Battle of Asal Uttar, where India's Param Vir Abdul Hamid decimated Pakistan's Patton tanks. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force (IAF) staged up close air support to ground troops while countering Pakistan's aerial attacks from US-supplied jets like the F-86 FORMER INDIAN ARMY CHIEF'S SON BECAME PRISONER OF WARAbout a month after the full-fledged war began in August, 27-year-old Flight Lieutenant KC Cariappa was taken captive on September 22, Cariappa had been tasked with striking Pakistani positions in Kasur in Pakistan."Indian airplanes were in action. Some of them were brought down by Pakistani anti-aircraft guns. On the last day of the war, an Indian plane crashed in Pakistan. The pilot was Flying Officer Nanda (nickname of Flight Lieutenant KC Cariappa) Cariappa. He was the only son of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of free India, (then) General Cariappa," LS Sheshagiri Rao wrote in his book, Field Marshal KM Flight Lieutenant Cariappa's Hawker Hunter was hit, it spiralled downward, trailing thick smoke. He pulled the ejection handle. With the aircraft barely 100 feet above the ground, he crash-landed within moments. The force of the impact fractured a few bones. Through the settling haze, he saw soldiers in khaki uniforms emerging."As the artillery fire boomed, one of the soldiers asked the confused young fighter his name. 'Ft-Lt Cariappa," was the reply. "Are you Gen. Cariappa's son?" was the next query," author Sanjay Dutt wrote in his 2000 book, War and Peace in Kargil Sector."Realisation dawned then that I was in the custody of the Pakistani army," a 62-year-old KC Cariappa, who retired as Air Marshal, later told FIELD MARSHAL CARIAPPA REFUSED AYUB KHAN'S OFFERCaptured by Pakistani forces, he became a high-profile prisoner of war (POW) due to his father's stature. KM Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. It was he who had led Indian forces during the 1947-48 Indo-Pak war, and was a respected figure, even among the Pakistani military, as many, including the then military dictator of Pakistan, Field Marshal Ayub Khan, had served under his command in the pre-Partition British Indian Khan once served under KM Cariappa in the North West Frontier Province, when the latter, as a young Colonel, was posted to the Bannu Frontier Brigade in Waziristan (in the present-day Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).After being taken to a hospital, Flight Lieutenant KC Cariappa was sent to two weeks of solitary confinement in a cell with a battered charpai (cot) and three blankets."I hardly saw sunlight. Every time I was taken outside I was blindfolded," Cariappa told Dutt, adding he was interrogated by the Pakistani military during that then, the news of the high-profile POW had already spread, thanks to Radio his captivity, KC Cariappa was visited by Pakistani Army Chief General Muhammad Musa along with one of Ayub Khan's sons, who gave him a PG Wodehouse book and some cigarettes, he told The Hindu in was during the early weeks of Flight Lieutenant Cariappa's captivity that Pakistani President Ayub Khan called his former commander, General Cariappa. When the 66-year-old veteran received the proposal to secure his son's release, he responded with the powerful message of fairness and equality. The veteran stood by these principles throughout his entire career and IN PAKISTANI JAIL AND SOME NEW YEAR CHEERFollowing the visit of the army chief and Ayub Khan's son, Flight Lieutenant Cariappa was, however, reunited with his fellow POWs in a jail in Fort Dargai in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa."Food was terrible. We had pooris and a mug of tea for breakfast, and rice, two chapattis, lacey bhindi (lady's finger) and a soupy preparation of turnip for lunch, which was repeated for dinner," Cariappa told The Hindu in 2019."In the first week of December, the prisoners received their Red Cross parcels (under the Geneva convention pact), which indicated that they were now officially designated POWs," Dutt wrote in his 2000 book, adding that the Indian soldiers also received a parcel of biscuits and dried fruits from film actress Asha Parekh. They also received two volumes of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which one of the officers would read aloud every their captivity, the Indian soldiers marked the arrival of 1966 with their own unique New Year's Eve, the officers managed to sneak some spirits from the medical assistant who came to treat their injuries. They brewed it in a pot along with dry fruits, biscuits, and even chapatis, welcoming the New Year with hearty swigs of their jail-made concoction."We wrapped up the pot with a blanket and placed it near a fire to prepare our brew, snake juice. For dessert, we had Marie biscuits and chocolates that we melted so we had almost the original Oreo sandwich!" Air Marshal Cariappa told The Hindu in CARIAPPA WAS IN PAKISTANI CAPTIVITY FOR FOUR MONTHSNot many days after the New Year's celebration, Cariappa was released. After nearly a month of intense fighting in 1965, the war ended with a ceasefire brokered by the Soviet Union in September 1965, which was later formalised by the Tashkent Agreement in January 1966."On January 22 Cariappa and six of his colleagues were put on board an aircraft bound for Delhi," Dutt coming back, Flight Lieutenant Cariappa continued his service with the Indian Air Force. He later went on to serve as the Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command. He currently lives in his family home in Karnataka's Madikeri, where his father, Field Marshal Cariappa, lived after story of Flight Lieutenant KC Cariappa's capture and release during the 1965 India-Pakistan War is not just about war and bravery. It is also a testament to the principles of honour, sacrifice, and equality upheld by India's armed KM Cariappa's commitment to fairness, even in the face of personal hardship, was and still is an inspiring example of leadership and the two Field Marshals had two very different plays. While Ayub Khan crowned himself, Cariappa showed true leadership. One sought power; the other stood for principle. The proof of strength lies in character, not in InMust Watch
