- विज्ञापन -
Amid the tragic and brutal Pahalgam massacre, as our familiar adversary presents a looming challenge with their nefarious strategies and immoral warfare tactics, the example set by our Sikh gurus, who demonstrated bravery and strength when confronted with challenges, along with a steadfast spirit and resilience rooted in a solid moral base and a profound sense of responsibility, can illuminate our path to duty and guide us to the victory. In the Nihang Singh tradition, Guru Nanak is regarded as the first Sikh warrior who imparted his knowledge of martial arts, known as Shastar Vidya, to Baba Buddha.
Baba Buddha preserved this knowledge until the Sikh community faced threats, eventually sharing it with Guru Hargobind, who formed the first Sikh army and martial arts school. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, is recognized as the first to actively confront the Mughal empire through warfare, symbolizing his dual authority with the concept of “Miri and Piri” by carrying two swords that represent earthly power (“Miri”) and spiritual leadership (“Piri”), and establishing the “Akal Sena,” the first standing Sikh army. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, also took part in battles. He was skilled in martial arts and sword fighting, and fought alongside his father, Guru Hargobind, in numerous conflicts. At 14, he valiantly participated in the battle of Kartarpur, earning the title “Tegh Bahadur,” which translates to “the fearless master of the sword.”
The Khalsa tradition was established in 1699 by the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, wherein the responsibility to fight against tyranny was assigned to all Sikhs, not just the army. In 1710, Banda Singh Bahadur, along with his Sikh troops, achieved victory in the battle of Sirhind against the Mughal forces led by Wazir Khan. This battle was a pivotal moment in Sikh history, avenging the execution of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons at Wazir Khan’s hands. Akali Baba Deep Singh is one of the most renowned sikh warriors in the period after Guru Gobind Singh. He is acknowledged as the founder of the Damdami Taksaal, a center focused on both scholarly and weaponry education. Baba Deep sacrificed his life while defending the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). His Khanda, a large double-edged sword, is preserved at Akal Takht.
The land of Punjab is imbued with the spirit of patriotism. Throughout the history of colonial India, the role of Sikh soldiers in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and dignity is invaluable and immeasurable. The Battle of Saragarhi in 1897 stands out as a well document example of extraordinary bravery shown by Sikh soldiers. A group of 21 sikh soldiers, under the leadership of Havildar Ishar Singh, valiantly defended their position against a much larger force of approximately 10,000 Afghan tribesmen. Sepoy Gurmukh Singh served as a crucial signalman at the Saragarhi outpost, which acted as the communication link between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan. After receiving permission to engage in combat, he set aside his signaling equipment, armed himself with a rifle, and fought valiantly, reportedly taking down 20 tribesmen before he was killed. This battle, though a final stand for the defenders, illustrates the Sikh ethos of steadfast bravery and selflessness. Punjabi women warriors have also played critical roles in resisting the Mughal empire and British colonization.
Mai Bhago, recognized as Mata Bhag Kaur, led Sikh warriors against the Mughals displaying her remarkable prowess as a fighter and motivating others. Maharani Jind Kaur, the final queen of the Punjab Empire, fought two wars against British dominion in India, showcasing her resolve and bravery. The sacrifices and valour of sikh soldiers during the World Wars are frequently overlooked. While precise numbers may vary, it is estimated that 83,005 sikhs lost their lives and 109,045 sustained injuries across both World Wars. In World War I alone, it is reported that 34,252 Sikhs died. At least 19 Sikhs served in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) during WWI. Captain Ishar Singh is celebrated as the first Sikh to receive the British Empire’s highest military honor, the Victoria Cross. He was an exemplary soldier of the 28th Punjab Regiment and received this medal on April 10, 1921, for his acts of bravery in the Waziristan campaign. The Sikh Regiment saw considerable growth during World War II and participated in many pivotal battles throughout the conflict.
They were active in North Africa, Italy, Burma, and the Middle East. Their performance during the Burma Campaign was especially remarkable, where they played an essential role in the battles of Imphal and Kohima, helping to change the momentum against Japanese forces. Mahinder Singh Pujji was a notable fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force and one of the first Indian sikh pilots to join the RAF during World War II. “Jo bole so nihal, sat sri akal” is a ‘jaikara’ of the esteemed Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army, honoring its rich Sikh traditions and heritage, especially in remembrance of the battle of Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh united his followers to stand against the Mughal army. The phrase can be translated as “Anyone who chants (waheguru) will find joy/blessings.” India has 21 Param Vir Chakras (PVC), of which 4 are awarded to Sikh heroes.
These bravehearts sacrificed everything for the safety of our nation. Subedar Joginder Singh was posthumously recognized with the Param Vir Chakra for his valour during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Even after sustaining a thigh injury and with half of his platoon having been lost, Subedar Singh chose not to be evacuated and motivated his men to persist in their fight. He spearheaded a bayonet charge against the advancing Chinese forces, taking down several enemy troops before being captured. Lance Naik Karam Singh, also a recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, is renowned for his courage and leadership during the 1947 Indo Pakistani War, especially in defending the critical Tithwal position.
Similarly, Subedar Major Bana Singh, another Param Vir Chakra awardee, successfully recaptured the Quaid Post (later renamed Bana Post) on the Siachen Glacier during Operation Rajiv in 1987. He and his squad confronted harsh conditions, such as extreme altitude, freezing temperatures, and fierce enemy opposition, to take back control of the post. Flying officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, a courageous pilot of the Indian Air Force, was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his valor during the 1971 IndoPakistan war.
He valiantly defended the Srinagar air base against a raid by six Pakistan air force planes, engaging and shooting down two enemy Sabres before ultimately being shot down himself. The Sikh regiment glory is unparalleled, having received a total of 1652 gallantry accolades and distinctions. These recognitions comprise 2 Param Vir Chakras, 8 Mahavir Chakras, 64 Vir Chakras, 4 Ashok Chakras, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 Indian Order of Merits, among others. General Joginder Jaswant Singh was the first Sikh to serve as Chief of Army Staff, followed by General Bikram Singh.
Admiral Karambir Singh Nijjar made history as the first Sikh Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh was the first Sikh to lead the Indian Air Force. Lt. Gen. Punita Arora became the first woman to attain the rank of Lieutenant General in the Indian Army, serving in both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. Chardi Kala is an invaluable concept that represents a mindset of unbroken resilience, optimism, and joy. It embodies the approach of sustaining a positive attitude, even during challenging times. In a wartime context, it reflects the idea of facing the enemy fearlessly, helping others, and confronting battles with unwavering faith, illustrating a steadfast iron-willed determination. Chardi Kala is the need of the hour. I extend my prayers to all my brothers and sisters of Punjab.
Author: Dr. R Krishna Chaitanya
The author was a faculty at Central University of Punjab, Bathinda from 2015-2022
