Statue of Sikh soldier unveiled in Leicester to honour Sikhs who have fought for UK

London, Nov 2: A statue of a Sikh soldier was recently unveiled in Leicester to honour Sikhs who fought for the UK in conflicts around the world. The bronze statue was staged on a granite plinth in Victoria Park and was unveiled on Sunday (Oct 30).

 

 

 

 

According to the Sikh Troops War Memorial Committee, the recently staged statue of the Sikh warrior would complement the existing war memorials that already exist in the UK. Sikhs comprised of more than 20 per cent of the British Indian Army at the outbreak of World War I. The statue was created by artist Taranjit Singh and funded with council funding and donations from Sikh congregations.

 

 

 

 

 

As per the reports of BBC, Ajmer Singh Basra, President of the Committee said, "We are so proud to be unveiling this memorial to honour the sacrifice of all the brave men who travelled thousands of miles to fight for a country that wasn't their own." He said the statue would serve as a reminder to Sikhs who have made Leicester their home.

 

 

Piara Singh Clair, from Leicester City Council said, "For many decades, the Sikh community has significantly contributed towards the success of our city. "I am very pleased that the idea of a Sikh memorial statue - envisaged by the late councilor Kuldip Singh Bhatti MBE - will be unveiled in Victoria Park. It will provide a fitting tribute alongside other memorials in the park."