UK to honor Indian soldiers on the 1st centenary of World War ITop Stories

August 07, 2013 10:38
UK to honor Indian soldiers on the 1st centenary of World War I},{UK to honor Indian soldiers on the 1st centenary of World War I

(Image source from: UK to honor Indian soldiers on the 1st centenary of World War I})

100 years after the First World War, Britain has decided to honor the soldiers from Commonwealth countries like India who sacrificed their lives in World War I.

The valiant soldiers will be felicitated posthumously during UK's four-year-long roster to solemnize the centenary of the great battle, beginning in 2014.

Talking about this, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi , the  minister of state for foreign affairs of Britain said that the historic centenary will especially honor Indian and Pakistani soldiers through “UK-wide cultural initiatives and educational programmes”.

A department of communities and local government said: "Baroness Warsi has had meetings with and written to the department of culture, media and sports to ensure that all WWI programmes feature a Commonwealth element."

UK recently communicated that “special commemorative paving stones” will be reposed in the hometowns of all those conferred “the Victoria Cross for valour 'in the face of the enemy' during the conflict.”


The scheme was originally initiated for British soldiers. The spokesman, however, added: "Plans on how to commemorate the overseas winners of the Victoria Cross are currently being worked on, as is an educational programme on the contribution of Commonwealth soldiers. The government is also looking at how to commemorate days of particular importance to those from overseas."

About 1.2 million soldiers from undivided India fought the War, of which 74,000 died.

Baroness said: "Indians and Pakistanis have a long history of commitment towards Britain and thousands gave up their lives fighting for us. It is because of their sacrifices that this country enjoys the freedom today. We, therefore, don't want those brave Indian soldiers to be forgotten."

Khudadad Khan was the first Indian-born soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Most of the Indian soldiers who fought the battle hailed from Bengal, Burma, Garhwal, Madra, Nepal and Punjab.

AW: Suchorita Dutta

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