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Sikh bravery exhibition leaves
its mark
WSN Network
 IPOH: Aweek-long
exhibition called ‘Sikh Bravery in Military History (British Indian
Army) during
World Wars I &
II’ launched in
Ipoh last Friday
elicited a rather significant response, and its organiser Harchand
Singh Bedi said he feels a “deep sense of self-fulfilment”.
The special
guests at the function included Colonel Stephen Tulley, who is the
defence adviser of Australian High Commissioner, and Arthur Spyrow
representing the Australian High Commission.
The exhibition
showcases more than 400 black-and-white photos offering a rare
glimpse of the Sikh military contribution all over the world from
18th century to the end of World War II in 1945.
Harchand, a
history buff and management consultant, said he got interested in
the subject while he was doing a documentary on the Green Ridge
World War II battle field in Kampar two years ago.
The Battle of
Kampar, fought over four days from December 30, 1941, to January 2,
1942, was very significant as the Japanese also suffered great
losses when facing the British Army from the 11th Indian Division
comprising of the Sikh Company of 1/18th regiment,
Harchand said.
Harchand, 40,
then continued to do more research on the sacrifices and
contributions made by the Sikh soldiers.
“The Sikh
soldiers did not just fight for their freedom in
India, but they
also volunteered to fight in foreign countries,” Harchand added.
His quests for
more facts took him to the
Imperial
World
Museum
in London where he spent six months to gather historical facts and
photos.
“I had to
pay RM1,000 or more for some rare photos,” said Harchand.
24
June 2009
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