Minister Baljit Kaur unveils ‘Battle of Sargarhi Memorial’, a tribute to heroic Sikh soldiers

FEROZEPUR: To commemorate the unparalleled bravery of the 21 Sikh soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice 127 years ago at Saragarhi, the Punjab government has brought their legacy to life. Punjab's minister of social security, women and child development, Dr Baljit Kaur, inaugurated the "Battle of Saragarhi Memorial" at the historic Gurdwara Saragarhi Sahib in Ferozepur Cantonment, paying homage to the fallen warriors, here on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering after the culmination of the Akhand Path Sahib held in memory of the martyrs, Dr Kaur emphasised the efforts of the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to reconnect the residents, especially the youth, with their rich and proud heritage. This initiative is part of broader efforts to develop sites of historical and cultural significance throughout the state. The Battle of Saragarhi Memorial in Ferozepur stands as India's first monument dedicated to the iconic battle.

According to Unesco, the Battle of Saragarhi is among the eight most significant battles in the world, and the fallen soldiers were honoured with the "Indian Order of Merit" (the highest gallantry award at the time). Dr Kaur hoped this memorial would inspire future generations with tales of unmatched valour and courage.

Providing background on the memorial, Dr Kaur stated that its foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on September 12, 2023, during Saragarhi Day. She commended the relentless efforts of the Ferozepur district administration under Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman for completing the project within a year at an approximate cost of Rs 2 crore, with a significant contribution of IRs 50 lakh from Rajya Sabha member Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney. The memorial stands as a source of inspiration not only for the Sikh community but for all Indian youth, as many of the martyred soldiers were from Ferozepur.

Dr Kaur also highlighted the establishment of a museum at Gurdwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the battle, with artefacts showcasing the signalling techniques, equipment, coding, and decoding used during that era. Additionally, weapons used in the battle are on display, and informative videos educate visitors about the historic event, making the museum a focal point of interest.

This memorial is dedicated to the 21 brave soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment who bravely defended the Saragarhi fort against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen, sacrificing their lives but never retreating. Inspired by a similar monument in Samana, Afghanistan, the Saragarhi Memorial in Ferozepur features a 31-foot-tall tower on a 4-foot-high circular platform, adorned with beautiful lights that enhance its appeal at night, drawing visitors worldwide.

A prominent 8-foot statue of Havildar Sardar Ishar Singh, the leader of the Saragarhi battle, is displayed at the entrance, along with a 41-foot-long mural wall depicting scenes from the battle. Dr Kaur expressed confidence that the holistic development of such historically significant sites would connect people with their glorious heritage and attract tourists from around the globe, boosting tourism and economic growth in Punjab.

During the event, Dr Baljit Kaur also honoured the families of the soldiers martyred in the battle.
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