A tribute to the turbaned soldiers in Australia’s military history, the proposal has been accepted by the Blacktown City Council and has currently been put out for community consultation.
Mayor of Blacktown Council, Tony Bleasdale told Indian Link: “Historically, the Sikh community has played a significant part in the British Empire, sacrificing many sons and daughters in war zones on behalf of us all. When a monument was suggested, we were more than proud to offer support.”
Blacktown is one of the most diverse LGAs in Australia, with a significant Sikh community.
“Blacktown is a great city for respect for other groups, and Sikhs are part of the big Blacktown family,” Mr Bleasdale said.
“They are extremely generous – having performed exemplary service at times of bushfire, floods and COVID 19. Even as we speak, they are out there supporting those who can’t support themselves.”
The group’s sense of service will be immortalised in the statute of the unknown Sikh soldier, to be erected at Glenwood Lake Reserve.
Blacktown Councillor Dr Moninder Singh told Indian Link: “The project was put to Council by the Fateh Foundation, a not-for-profit, with support from the RSL, the National Sikh Council of Australia and Glenwood Gurudwara.”
The process began about a year ago, Dr Singh said and various sites were considered, including an RSL location, before Blacktown Council was approached.
“We hope that the memorial becomes a spot for the community to gather on occasions such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, as well as dates of significance on the Indian calendar.”
Sikh soldiers fought for the British Army in World Wars I and II at hotspots in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. In Australia, their involvement at Gallipoli, where they fought particularly valiantly, came to light in the early 2000s.
The bravery and heroism are acknowledged annually at the Anzac Day Parade, at which a Sikh contingent has been marching since 2007.
Source: Indian Link web site
