Sikhs And Celts To Commemorate Braveheart

Banda Singh · August 11, 2005

Lanark, Scotland - Sikhs are uniting with the Clan Wallace (Celts) in the landmark remembrance of Scotland’s national hero William Wallace (1270-1305). This year marks the 700 anniversary of the brutal public execution of Scotland’s foremost freedom fighter by the English monarchy (Edward I). Scottish-wide events and gatherings are taking place to remember the struggle and sacrifice of this warrior, known as ‘Braveheart’ and the ‘Guardian of Scotland.’

"Only such a person can be recognized as a righteous warrior who whilst in the thick of struggle and battle is cut piece by piece but does not flee the field.”

-Guru Granth Sahib

The Punjab National History Society and fellow Sikh groups are working closely with Clan Wallace to support a mammoth three day celebration in Lanark on September 9 to 11. The Society believes the example of William Wallace symbolizes the Braveheart spirit shared by both Sikh and Scottish nations: "Sikhs and Scots have a natural affinity. They are both grass-root peasant peoples who have undergone brutal oppression and subjugation throughout their history. Their cultures and lifestyles have been attacked and suppressed. They have identical stories of brave struggle and brave champions, persevering against mighty powers that have engulfed them. Today, both nations are in the thick of reclaiming their culture, identity and freedom.”

As part of the Wallace celebrations, the Punjab National History Society is highlighting the equivalent Punjabi Braveheart - Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716).

Seoras Wallace of Clan Wallace has invited Sikhs to contribute various aspects of their Braveheart tradition and culture, including gatka (sword combat performances), keertan (sacred spiritual songs), weapons display and dastaar (turban) tying.

Twenty Sikhs attired in the historic blue Sikh warrior clothes and adorned with historic swords and armaments will join a bodyguard line to receive the coffin of William Wallace containing the ashes of the ‘Guardian of Scotland.’

According to Sikh contributors: “Wallace represents a shining champion of Scottishness - its people, its culture, its lifestyle, its land, its existence, its identity as a free and self-governing nation. As a nation with similar experiences and Bravehearts, we are equally inspired by his example.”

William Wallace led a sustained grass-root rebellion against English monarchical occupation and subjugation in the 13th century. His uncompromising leadership of a movement for a free and independent Scotland continues to resonate throughout the centuries, amplified greatly by the famous 1995 film ‘Braveheart’ starring Mel Gibson.

His soul refused to submit or bargain to London’s imperialist ambitions. After years of menacing their armies and imperial arrogance, Wallace was captured by the English. Taken to London, his live body was publicly cut into pieces. His body parts were then displayed across Scotland, as a warning to the Scottish people to remain subjugate - which failed.

Speaking of the equivalent Bravehearts, the Punjab National History Society says: “Both Wallace and Banda Singh inspired and mobilized their peasant people to unite and struggle for social, spiritual and political freedom. Both suffered brutally. Both were captured and underwent a torturous public execution. Their heroic examples and national messages live on to inspire Scotts and Sikhs and future Bravehearts to come.”

Seoras Wallace said, " My respect for the Sikh culture comes from legends within my own family who had fought with Sikhs in many campaigns in history, some not as we would have liked, but the common angst at seeing the courage of the Sikh warrior soldiers and the culture they fought to protect was a reflection of our own culture. I feel it is a privilege for ClanWallace that the Sikh community would share this day with us."

He added, "The significance of this connection to Braveheart is that the passion and humanity of the real Bravehearts is shared by communities around the world; and this Sikh/Celtic alliance, to be standing beside each other, is an honorable gesture and as we march past the sarcophagus of Wallace together, children of Lanark on that day will see an example of friendship and camaraderie, and feel the strength of friendship between our communities as a vocation they would wish to aspire to."

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