Amritsar, September 10 – A Saragarhi march and congregation was organised today by Saragarhi Foundation with the support of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), dedicated to the 125th anniversary of Battle of Saragarhi of 1897. Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh especially participated in the Saragarhi march during its start, while prominent personalities were present in the congregation at Gurdwara Saragarhi Sahib.
Addressing the congregation on this occasion, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Battle of Saragarhi is an outstanding allegory of bravery of Sikh soldiers, which has raised the image of Sikh Qaum (community) all over the world. He said that the minority Sikhs have always made great sacrifices by taking inspiration from their history, but it is sad that today minorities are being suppressed within their own country.
SGPC President specifically mentioned that at present, conspiracies are being made to snatch the minority status of Sikhs, but the Sikh community will not allow such mischievous acts to succeed. He said that the glorious history of the Sikh community shows the way to face the challenges of present time and every Sikh should carry this history to the next generation. The SGPC is making great efforts to convey Sikh history to the young generation.
On this occasion, President of Chief Khalsa Diwan and Punjab state cabinet minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjer said in his address that Sikh history is a guide for the youth and especially, the knowledge about the martyrs of Saragarhi is very important for children. Dr. Nijjer said that efforts will be made to include Saragarhi history in the school syllabus of Punjab School Education Board and these pages of history will also be taught to children in the schools.
Former Chief of the Army Staff General Joginder Jaswant Singh (Retired) said that the Battle of Saragarhi is included in top 10 major battles of the world, because during this war, only 21 Sikh soldiers fought against 10 thousand tribesmen. He said Sikhs will always be proud of the bravery of the Sikh soldiers of this battle.
On this occasion, President of Saragarhi Foundation, Gurinderpal Singh Josan thanked the prominent personalities and the Sangat.
Meanwhile, a booklet about the Battle of Saragarhi was also released on this occasion and the present family members of martyred soldiers were honoured.
