About 127 years after 21 brave Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment heroically defended the Saragarhi fort against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen, the ‘Saragarhi War Memorial’ was inaugurated on Thursday at the historic Gurudwara Saragarhi Sahib in Ferozepur Cantt.
“Punjab Government is committed to preserve the legacy of the 21 Sikh warriors who laid down their lives in the historic Saragarhi War 127 years ago,” declared the state’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, during the inauguration ceremony.
The newly-inaugurated memorial features an eight-foot statue of Sardar Ishar Singh — the hero of the battle, along with a 41-foot mural wall depicting key moments from the battle. Lit up at night, the memorial stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and valor, destined to become a center of attraction for tourists from around the world.
The Minister, speaking to a gathering after the akhand path sahib held in memory of the martyrs, highlighted the government's dedication to connect the younger generation with Punjab's rich and proud heritage.
Dr Baljit stressed that through various initiatives, the Punjab Government is actively promoting the development of historical sites across the State. The Saragarhi War Memorial, built at Ferozepur, is the first of its kind dedicated to the battle, symbolizing Punjab’s commitment to honouring its martyrs.
According to UNESCO, the Saragarhi War is among the eight most important battles in world history, a fact that fills every Indian heart with pride. She further noted that the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the war were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit — the highest military honour of the time, equivalent to the Victoria Cross.
Elaborating on the memorial's background, the Minister said that the foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann exactly a year ago. She praised the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman, for completing the project within the allocated time frame, with a budget of nearly Rs two crore. The project also received a significant contribution of Rs 50 lakh from Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahni, whose support was instrumental in bringing the memorial to life.
The Minister expressed confidence that the Saragarhi War Memorial would serve as a source of inspiration, not just for the Sikh community but for youth across the country. She noted that most of the soldiers who fought in the Saragarhi battle hailed from Ferozepur, adding a deep personal connection to the region.
She also highlighted a previous initiative, a museum built at the Gurudwara Saragarhi at a cost of Rs two crore. The museum showcases the artifacts, equipment, and signaling technology used during the Saragarhi War, alongside the weapons of the time. Video presentations have become a major attraction, educating visitors about the historic battle.
