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Brighton to honor South Asian war soldiers
The sacrifices of the soldiers will be conferred during an annual multi-faith event set to be held in October 2024 at the Indian Gate located at the heart of the city.
Indian patients resting in Royal Pavilion Garden, 1915 / Image- brightonmuseums.org.uk
The city of Brighton in the UK will honor soldiers hailing from undivided India (modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar), who were instrumental in securing victory during the two world wars.
The sacrifices of the soldiers will be conferred during an annual multi-faith event set to be held in October 2024 at the Indian Gate located at the heart of the city.
Despite Remembrance events, such as the inclusive service at the Brighton War Memorial and the memorial service at the Chattri, which primarily focuses on Hindu and Sikh soldiers, taking place there has been a notable absence of recognition for the diverse religious communities of the sub-continent.
To correct this the city's Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Economic Development Committee agreed to host the multi-faith event.
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the committee, expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, "Holding an annual event is a fitting way to ensure residents young and old recognize their contributions and sacrifices, and better understand the different histories of our multicultural city."
The project has garnered support from various quarters, including Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, set to become Brighton & Hove’s first south Asian Mayor in May. He emphasized the importance of fostering inclusivity and understanding among diverse cultural identities, underscoring the need for policies that promote social cohesion.
The event, spearheaded by a committee of community leaders in collaboration with Brighton & Hove Museums and supported by the City Council, aims not only to commemorate the past but also to forge new connections for the future.
Honoring a rich heritage: The Indian Gate
The history of Indian soldiers in Brighton is deeply intertwined with the city's heritage. During World War I, Brighton served as a sanctuary for approximately 12,000 wounded Indian soldiers, with several buildings, including the Royal Pavilion, transformed into military hospitals.
As a token of gratitude, the 'Princes and People of India' presented the India Gate to Brighton, dedicated to the town's inhabitants, as a symbol of appreciation for their hospitality and healing prowess.
Unveiled in October 1921 by the Maharaja of Patiala, the gate stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Brighton and the soldiers it once sheltered.
Efforts to restore the Indian Gate are underway as part of a broader heritage project aimed at reviving the historic Royal Pavilion Garden to its original Regency glory. This initiative, partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, underscores the commitment to preserving the legacy of South Asian soldiers for generations to come.
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