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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-09-21 Daily Xml
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Matters of Interest

Saragarhi Remembrance Day

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:24): On Sunday I had the honour of joining the Guru Nanak Society of Australia and members of the Sikh community for the annual Saragarhi Remembrance Day, held along the Pathway of Honour next to Government House in Adelaide. As an Australian with Vietnamese heritage, I understand the need for ethnic communities to commemorate significant religious and cultural events such as the battle of Saragarhi. Indeed, I take an interest every year when Australia commemorates the battle of Long Tan.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the battle of Long Tan, which took place on 18 August 1966 in South Vietnam. The Australian troops of 105 soldiers were surrounded by some 2,500 Vietcong. After three hours of fierce battle, the Vietcong retreated. Eighteen Australian soldiers were killed during the battle and 24 were wounded. On the Vietcong side, 245 died and many more were left wounded.

The battle of Saragarhi occurred on 12 September 1897 and has been lauded by some military historians as one of the greatest last stands in history. The 36th Sikh Regiment, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, came under attack at an Army post station where 21 Sikh soldiers were surrounded by at least 10,000 Afghan tribesmen. These Sikh soldiers were given a choice to surrender, but they decided to fight to the death to protect their position.

Many heroic stories of bravery and sacrifice of each of those 21 Sikh soldiers unfolded on this historic day. I understand that at least 180 Afghans were killed and many more were wounded. The bravery of the Sikh soldiers caused a delay that was long enough for reinforcements to arrive and eventually reclaim the station. To honour the selfless commitment and courage of these Sikh soldiers, the entire regiment was posthumously awarded the prestigious Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award given to Indians at the time.

The battles of Long Tan and Saragarhi respectively demonstrate the courage of the fallen soldiers, who faced enormous challenges, adversities and eventually made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Each year we commemorate these hard-fought battles to honour their sacrifice. The lessons taught through history remind us of the challenges of modern society that we each face every day and how, through determination, friendship and perseverance, we can overcome these challenges.

I commend the Guru Nanak Society of Australia for arranging the only memorial plaque in Australia for the Sikh soldiers in the Pathway of Honour walkway, which was unveiled on 25 April 2011. I extend my warm thanks to its president, Mr Mahanbir Singh Grewal, for organising this annual event. The Guru Nanak Society of Australia plays an important role in the Sikh community, holding weekly religious worship and running the Punjabi school, where children are taught the Punjabi language, culture and religious duties. It also organises sporting activities, with huge support from the Sikh community as well as the South Australian government.

The pure heroism of the 21 Sikh soldiers teaches us a powerful lesson: to never give up in the face of great adversity. I am told that Signalman Gurmukh Singh, who was the last Sikh defender standing, continued to shout the Sikh battle cry, 'Jo bole so nihal, sat sri akal,' which translates to, 'Victory belongs to those who recite the name of God with a true heart.' It is important that we also discuss these historic events with our children and emphasise the importance of human endurance, that is, to try your best and never give up, despite daily struggles.

Each year, on 12 September, the Sikh community around the world pays tribute to the fierce bravery of the 21 Sikh soldiers as a reminder to us of upholding the values of loyalty, mateship, perseverance and valour until the very end.

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