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Story of Sikh soldiers 'needs to be continued'

BBC A bronze figure of a male soldier wearing a turban stood on a plinth, which has poppy wreaths placed at its base. There is a green hedge and a car park behind it.BBC
Sikhs made up more than 20% of the British Indian Army at the outbreak of World War One, according to the WW1 Sikh Memorial Fund

A historian says he hopes a monument to Sikh soldiers who fought for the UK will help to educate younger generations about their sacrifices.

Gurinder Singh Mann said Sikhs have had "a great relationship" with the British that dated back to the 18th Century.

The bronze figure depicts a Sikh soldier, which sits on a granite plinth in Victoria Park and honours Sikhs who fought for the UK in conflicts across the world.

Mr Singh added he thought it was "really important to have tangible things" to commemorate Sikh involvement in British history, such as the statue, which was created by artist Taranjit Singh and installed in 2022.

Gurinder Singh wearing a black coat with a poppy pin badge and glasses. The statue of the Sikh solider can be seen behind him out of focus.
Gurinder Singh Mann says the story of Sikh involvement in the British Army "needs to be carried on through the ages"

The statue was paid for with Leicester City Council funding and donations from Sikh congregations.

Mr Singh Mann said: "I'm a Sikh historian and, for me, it's all about actually telling these stories.

"Whether it's about the great Maharaja Ranjit Singh, about the Sikh Empire, but also in terms of this great relationship that the Sikhs have had with the British as well.

"This is extends from the 18th Century effectively, so this story needs to be continued and it needs to be carried on throughout the ages as well."

Mr Singh Mann, from Leicester, said based on Sunday's Remembrance events, he thought there were a greater number of younger people attending memorials.

Sandy Kaur has long dark hair and is wearing a brown jacket with a green top and necklace. The Sikh soldier statue can be seen behind her out of focus.
Sandy Kaur says it makes her proud to learn more about the role Sikhs have played for the British Army

Sandy Kaur, a member of the Sikh community from Kibworth in Leicestershire, said: "For me, the statue stands out as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the Sikh soldiers and I think it's important for us, because it shows that at times of need, we stand together with Britain. We were united.

"It's about standing together, regardless of differences, and that was really important to share our history with the nation and within the community in Leicestershire as well."

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