BATTLE STORY OF SARAGARHI TO BE INCLUDED IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Chandigarh, September 12, 2012: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced to include the battle story of Saragarhi in the school curriculum in the state as a humble tribute to those 21 martyrs of 36^th Sikh Regiment of British Indian Army, who laid down their lives after killing hundreds of Pashtuns while fighting a spirited battle against a force of more than 10,000 attackers.

Paying glorious tributes to those valiant martyrs on the occasion of Saragarhi day function organised at Gurudwara, Chandimandir, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the contingent of 36^th Sikhs (now 4^th Sikh Regiment) led by Hawaldar Ishar Singh choose to fight to death rather leaving their post and this battle was known as history’s great last stands. He said that we all were proud of that rare achievement of Sikh soldiers, who were awarded the Indian Order of Merit posthumously, the highest Gallantry Award of that time. He said that the significance of that battle was well presumed from the fact that Saragarhi was one of the 8 collective stories of bravery published by UNESCO for children. He said that it was our bounden duty to include such events of history in our text books so that our younger generations could draw inspiration from such rare of rarest events and the spirit of bravery and patriotism could be instilled in their minds.

Highlighting the ordeal of Indian soldiers posted on strategically important but very tough terrains like Siachin, the Deputy Chief Minister underlined the need to send delegations of Member Parliaments to such places to have first hand assessment of the challenges not only of enemy but also of hostile weather being faced by them, so that there should not be any delay in provision of any facility or equipment for such brave hearts. He informed that renowned cine star Sanjay Dutt has told him that he was exploring the possibility to make a film on this historic Saragarhi battle and hoped that this project would soon materialize and the state government would provide every possible help for this noble cause.

Recalling the unparalleled contribution of Sikh Regiments in every challenge posed to the nation, Badal expressed confidence that the brave hearts of these regiments would continue to serve the nation with full dedication to meet any eventuality.

On this occasion, he also handed over a cheque of Rs.11 lakh for various welfare measures to be initiated for 4^thSikh Regiment. He also announced to provide 2 LCDs, 8 Deep Freezers, 8 Water Purifiers besides required number of Sports Kits   to 36^th Sikhs (now 4^th Sikh Regiment). Earlier, the officers and Jawans of 4^th Sikh Regiment presented a Siropa (Rob of Honour) to the visiting Deputy Chief Minister.