Punjab government announces memorial for 21 Sikh soldiers of the Battle of Saragarhi

Punjab E News: In a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the 21 Sikh soldiers who fought in the historic Battle of Saragarhi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has initiated the construction of a memorial in their honor. 

This battle, which took place on September 12, 1897, saw a small contingent of Sikh soldiers from the British Indian Army’s 36th Sikhs Regiment defend their post against a force of 10,000 Afghan tribesmen. 

The soldiers fought with unparalleled bravery, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and resilience.

The upcoming memorial, to be built in Ranjitgarh village of Ferozepur district, will display the names and portraits of all 21 soldiers, allowing visitors from India and abroad to pay tribute to their valor. 

Previous administrations had overlooked this monumental episode, failing to allocate funds for a memorial. Taking the initiative, CM Mann’s government has earmarked INR 1.5 crore for the project, with a target of completion within six months. Mann himself is supervising the memorial’s construction to ensure that it appropriately honors these heroes.

The Saragarhi battle, often hailed as one of history’s most heroic last stands, has inspired not only the people of Punjab but also audiences nationwide. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar brought this iconic battle to the big screen in the film Kesari, which starred Parineeti Chopra as well. 

The movie, based on the soldiers’ bravery, has kept the memory of Saragarhi alive, stirring emotions whenever the story is recounted.

CM Mann’s initiative reflects a commitment to preserving and honoring Punjab’s history, ensuring future generations are inspired by the courage and sacrifice of their forebears.