Sikhism, the world's fifth most popular religion, is a monotheistic faith that believes in equality and service to others. Sikh Gurus said "Everyone is the same, There is no distinction, no caste system".
Sikhs are one of the most brave and bold people, full of pride and self-esteem, most warm and kind hearted of all, uniquely handsome with their attire, well built; all this makes them unique. The self-esteem and pride are unmatched – you will never find a Sikh beggar on roads.
We are proud to share about them and glad to show our love & gratitude for what they have done and doing for us. Its not Exaggeration to say that Sikhs are the Master of India's Destiny.
Rs.25 of every Sikh Head - Save Country From Afghani Attackers
Between 1748 & 1765, Nadir Shah and his successor, Ahmed Shah Abdali, repeatedly came to India not to rule but to loot. These raiders were ruthless; mass killing, rapes, abductions and enslaving of thousands of slaves were the results of these raids. The Sikhs were the only ones who relieved them of their plunder, and freed slaves. Sikhs freed hundreds of women and escorted them back to their homes. These acts of Sikhs aggravated Ahmed Shah Abdali, who swore to take revenge at an appropriate time. During his sixth invasion, he caught the Sikhs by surprise and killed 25,000 Sikhs in a short time. However, the spirit of the Sikhs remained high.
Between 1713 and 1801 the Sikhs were homeless and living as Guerillas, demonstrating heroic acts of courage at every possible instance. The tyrant rulers had put a reward of Rs. 25 for every Sikh head and Rs. 100 for every Sikh caught alive. The money is compared to hundred thousand US dollars of today. Those caught alive were cut to pieces. Many new vocabularies originated, such as 12 o’ clock warriors, Sikh who fought at midnight to use the darkness for their advantage.
Battle with Afghans – End of 800 years of Invasion/Slavery – Redemption of Kohinoor Diamond
Finally, Sikhs under Ranjit Singh, in 1798 bought an end to the 800 years of foreign invasions into India through Khyber pass, by bringing it under their control. This was the best gift Sikhs gave to the nation which finally allowed the rest of India to breathe in peace. Hari Singh Nalwa, who manned the Khyber pass for years became a name of threat in Afghanistan. Ranjit Singh brought the world famous Kohinoor diamond back to India, which was looted by Nadir Shah earlier.
The Brave 21 Sikhs vs 10000 Men
The Battle of Saragarhi is considered one of the greatest battles in Sikh military history. On 12 September 1897 a contingent of twenty-one soldiers from the 36th Sikhs led by Havildar Ishar Singh held off an Afghan attack of 10,000 men for several hours. All 21 Sikh soldiers chose to fight to the death instead of surrendering. In recognition of their sacrifice, the British Parliament paid them respect, and each one of them was awarded the Indian Order of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross)
Kashmir is in India: Say thanks to Sikhs
If it was not for the Sikhs, who brought back Kashmir in 1819, today Kashmir would have been a part of Afghanistan. Ladakh owes its existence on the map of India to Zorawar Singh, who brought the region back to India in 1836.
If we could retain Kashmir & Ladakh in 1947-48 due to Air Commodore Baba Mehar Singh, General Kulwant Singh and of course due to the sikh soldiers of Sikh Regimentlike one Subdar Nand Singh. In 1947-48 the Titles "TheDefenders of Kashmir" and "The Saviour of Ladakh" Granted by the Govt go to the Sikh Regiment and Air Commodore Baba Mehar Singh respectively.
War with British
With an end to Mughal invasions from Afghanistan, British invasion from the south initiated. Sikhs were the last to surrender to the British in the Indian sub-continent and were the first to raise arms against them.
After two bloody Anglo-Sikh wars did British manage to take over Punjab as the last kingdom on the map of British-India Empire. It is an irony of fate that the Sikhs had to fight against their own countrymen as British forces employed Indians from the south to invade Punjab. It was not due to lack of soldiers’ courage or conviction that the wars against British were lost, but a treachery by Gulab, a minister under Ranjit Singh, who joined hands with the British in exchange for the title of Kashmir upon winning the war.
Fighting for Indepndence of India and Jallianwala Bagh massacre
On April 13, 1919, the British conducted Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which consisted of killing 1300 unarmed Indians mostly Sikhs in a single day. Thousand of unarmed, innocent & peaceful Indians had assembled in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar to register a peaceful protest against British colonial rule when General Michael O’ Dwyer came with his troops and opened fire on the unarmed civilians.
Udham Singh in 1940 went to London and shot General Michael O’ Dwyer at a public meeting as a revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Udham Singh did not flee, surrendered himself, and was later executed.
Following is the contribution of Sikhs who are less than 2% of the population of India in the freedom struggle against the British:
Punished Total Sikhs % of Sikhs
Hanged by the British 121 93 77%
Life Imprisonment 2646 2147 81%
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 1300 799 62%
Not only Indians, Even the British Owe to the Sikhs
By the advent of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000, i.e., 20% of the British Indian Army. During World War I, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised in World War II, and served at El Alamein and in Burma, Italy and Iraq, winning 27 battle honours.
“In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.”
— General Sir Frank Messervy
“British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans.”
— Sir Winston Churchill
Partition of India So as their Mother land Punjab:
Partition of India in 1947 brought innumerable death to Sikhs and was one of the greatest disaster known in the Indian history. Surely the Sikhs paid the heaviest price for the freedom of the country. The land of 5 rivers become the land of 3 rivers. The present half of Punjab and Bengal are the gift of Master Tara Singh to India.
Punjab lost its most fertile part to Pakistan during the partition. However, today due to the hard labor of Sikh farmers, the Punjab in India produces much higher quantities of food grain than the fertile Punjab in Pakistan. Punjab contributes 40% of rice and 51% of wheat into the central pool of food grains in India.
India-China War 1962
The war with the Chinese in 1962 isn't one of the greatest chapters in the Indian Army's history, or in India's in general. Whether it was the bureaucracy tying down the armed forces or the usage of wrong tactics, it was a chastening experience for the country. But even in this dark episode, the Sikh Regiment managed to shine like a beacon of light. Tales of the bravery of Subedar Joginder Singh, Captain Haripal Kaushik and Sepoy Kewal Singh are still recounted even today.
War with Pakistan 1965 and 1971
Sikhs were the first to rise and fight invasions by Pakistan in 1965s and 1971s. Pakistan’s invasion lead to full force wars between Indian and Pakistan. Again Sikh, this time joining hands with Rest of the Army contributed and laid their lives down to protect the borders and freedom of India. Pakistan lost all the wars. In 1971 war the 90,000 Pakistani troops under Niazi's command surrendered to lieutenant Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora as prisoners of war.
Maj. Gen. Fazal Muqeem Khan, author of book 'Pakistan's Crisis of Leadership':"The major reasons for our defeat are Sikhs. We are simply unable to do anything before them despite our best efforts.They are very daring people and are fond of martyrdom. They fight courageously and are capable of defeating an army much bigger than them."
On 3rd December 1971, we fiercely and vigorously attacked the Indian army with infantry brigade near Hussainiwala border.Our army reached near Kausre-Hind post (Kasure). There was small segment of Indian army appointed to defend that post and their soldiers belonged to the Sikh Regiment. A few number of the Sikh Regiment stopped our way forward like an iron wall.Alas! A handful of Sikhs converted our great victory into big defeat and shattered our confidence and courage.
The Kargil War
During the battle for Tiger Hill, it was the 8th Sikh Regiment, along with the 18th Grenadiers and the 2nd Naga, that were chosen to lead India's push to reclaim what was ours. In a tense 36 hour operation, it was the three Indian regiments that persevered.
Awards and Honors
The Contribution of Sikhs towards the Indian Defense Services is the highest with respect to their 2% population size. This community has also won the maximum number of gallantry awards 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 first class Indian Order of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), 15 Theatre Honours, 5 Kirti Chakras, 5 Param Vir Chakras (PVCs), 40 Maha Vir Chakras (MVCs), 209 Vir Chakras (VrCs) and 1596 other gallantry awards.
What did We Give Them for Their Sacrifice ?
In 1984 thousands of innocent sikh children, men and women were killed. Sikh women were raped, burnt their houses and give them the title of terrorist. Moreover till date there is no justice for them. All this is very shameful.
The Saga of Sikhs continue
Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan! Sikhs have made India proud in just about every field they entered. They have occupied the highest of offices in almost all fields. They have a very wide blend of intellectuals, sports persons and creative persona in their community. Doctors, engineers, Civil Service officers, police officers, cricketers, actors, politicians, teachers, spiritual leaders, writers, scientists, name it, Sikhs are famous there. They are really good entrepreneurs – they own dhabas, garages, shops, huge conglomerates, etc
I am just amazed. Amazed at how one community hailing from a very small state in India can be so good at everything they do. Amazed at how very patriotic they are. Amazed at how much they have contributed for our country.
Next time when you hear a Sardar Joke (Santa Banta), Remember these Contributions by them. Thereafter, you will never like to hear any jokes made on Sardars.
Note : Please do not shade a religious paint to this article. If you read it complete, you can understand the intended purpose behind this. Which is mutual respect to fellow humans and to make a strong statement against Racial / Communal / Extremist Absuing!
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