Sikh Solders in Italy during World War II- lecture organized by Punjabi university history deptt
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
Department of History, Punjabi University, Patiala organizes a special lecture on the theme Sikh Soldiers in Italy during World War II, and the Key Note address was delivered by Balwinder Singh Chahal, President, Sur Sahit Sabha Italy. Dr. Mohammad Idris, Head of the department welcomed all guests on this occasion and expressed his gratitude towards the speaker and other dignitaries. On this occasion, the Inaugural address was delivered by Dr. B.S. Sandhu Dean Academic Affairs, Punjabi University, Patiala, in his Inaugural address, he stressed that ‘we must learn from history’. He highlighted the role played by Sikhs during the freedom movement to the present times.
The Keynote speaker Balwinder Singh Chahal described the circumstances in which Indian soldiers participated in the Second World War in Italy. He said during the Second World War Indian soldiers especially Sikhs, Rajputs, Punjabi Muslims, and Gorkhas played a crucial and important role. But the role played by Sikh soldiers in the two world wars especially in Italy during Second World War is remarkable. Italian people still remember and appreciated the efforts of Sikh soldiers during the Second World War. Italian people narrated stories that Sikh soldiers had saved the honor of their women, children and they had distributed packed food among the needy Italians. He further said ‘apart from these aspects we also witnessed the cultural exchanges between Indian and Italian people and other countries where they served’. But while serving in foreign lands they did not leave their customs and traditions.
Dr. D.S. Dhillon former Head, Department of History, Punjabi University, and former chairman Punjab School Education, Mohali delivered the Presidential address, Dr. Dhillon said in his address that in Two World Wars more than ninety percent of Sikhs laid their lives for the British Empire but British historians never highlighted their role. It’s due to the efforts of People like Balwinder Singh Chahal that students, scholars of history and people, in general, are becoming aware of the contribution of Indians especially Sikhs in the world wars.
Sikh Solders in Italy during World War II- lecture organized by Punjabi university history deptt. In end, Dr. Sandeep Kaur presented a vote of thanks. On this occasion, Dr. Balwinder Kaur Bhatti, Dr. Parneet Kaur Dhillon, Dr. Balraj Singh, Dr. Kavita Rani, Dr. Gurnam Singh Virk, and Dr. Kulbeer Singh Badal were also present.
March 6,2022
