Discussion Programme – Akash Radio: Thursday 15 November 8.15-10.00pm - Remembrance Event In Ieper, Belgium

[JagtarSinghKhalsa]

Discussion Programme – Akash Radio: Thursday 15 November 8.15-10.00pm - Remembrance event in Ieper, Belgium

The discussion programme on Akash Radio this evening – Thursday 15 November - from 8.15 to 10.00pm (UK time) will be about the Remembrance event in Ieper, Belgium on Sunday 11 November. The questions in the discussion are likely to be:

Why do Sikhs from across Europe take part in the Remembrance event in Ieper, Belgium?

What do Sikhs hope to achieve by taking part in such event?

What lessons can Sikhs learn from this remembrance event when it comes to our own remembrance of events, such as June 1984 and November 1984?

Sikhs from the UK that attended the event will begin the discussion and at around 8.45pm (UK time) the phone lines will be opened to callers to take part in the discussion. Callers from across Europe – UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway etc. that took part in the event are expected to call and explain the significance of the event. Callers from other European countries – Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Spain etc. are expected to call to commit to take part in future events.

Those in Europe can listen to the discussion programme by tuning into Akash Radio - Sky Channel 0168 or you can listen throughout the world through the Internet by going to www.akashradio.com

Please release and photographs of the event are shown below:

SIKHS FROM ACROSS EUROPE TAKE PART IN REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY IN IEPER, BELGIUM

On 11 November, Armistice Day hundreds of Sikhs from Belgium, UK, Netherlands, France, Germany and Norway gathered in the Belgian town of Ieper to commemorate the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers who fell in the First World War.

There was an excellent turnout of Sikhs who participated in the ‘poppy parade’, a yearly ceremonial walk of thousands from the centre of Ieper up to the Menin Gate, where the names of numerous Sikhs who sacrificed their lives are individually listed. This year Sikhs had their largest turnout and formed almost a quarter of the poppy parade. Sikhs are the only civilians that are given the privilege of participating in the poppy parade in such large numbers.

Sikhs walked behind five Sikhs, each carrying the Sikh national flag, the Nishan Sahib and a banner with the image to get across an important message of the fundamental importance of the Sikh identity in the context of Sikh sacrifices to secure the freedom of Europe.

An estimated 10,000 people watched and filmed the poppy parade. The distinct and separate visible identity of the Sikh Nation received a huge positive exposure. Sikhs were given special permission to carry the five Nishan Sahibs that were brought by Sikhs from the UK. The Nishan Sahibs and the Keshri Dastaars, that Sikhs were requested to where, made a massive impact and were the talk of the parade with not only ordinary people, but the European television, press and radio showing a huge interest.

The Last Post – the traditional (British) salute to the fallen warrior – was heard at 11am. 11 wreaths were laid by around 25 Sikh representatives from different countries across Europe. Thomas Wise, a UK MEP, especially made the trip to accompany UK Sikhs. He also put down a wreath under the Menin Gate to pay tribute to Sikhs who sacrificed their lives so the people of Europe could live in freedom.

The Menin Gate Memorial is perhaps the most visited Great War Memorial on the Western Front. Every night of the year, without exception, policemen close the road to traffic at 8.00 p.m. and then stand at the salute while buglers from the Ypres Fire Brigade play "The Last Post". This happens whatever the weather and there is always someone there to watch. The people living near the Menin Gate often open their doors and stand on their doorsteps to join in this daily act of Remembrance in honour of the young and brave who came from all over the world to die in the defence of their town. During the summer battlefield-tour months, there may be many hundreds of visitors attending the ceremony.

Its large Hall of Memory contains the names of 54,896 Commonwealth soldiers who died without graves, incised into vast panels. As bodies are found even to this day, although not a frequent event, when identified they receive a proper burial, and the name is removed from the Menin Gate.

A special Candlelit Vigil of Remembrance later took place on the Menin Gate Memorial Rampart. A large banner that Sikhs in the UK use to commemorate the June 1984 attack on the Golden Temple Complex that reads: ‘Sikhs stand united for justice and freedom’ was a message to the many non-Sikhs who appreciate the

Sikh sacrifices. Without doubt this event made every Sikh present proud of their forefathers.

The full day of activities also comprised a visit to Bedford House Cemetery and the

Monument in Hollebeke where Sikhs did Ardaas and Langar was served. The day ended with a meeting in Ieper of Sikh delegates from across Europe to discuss proposals for the 90th anniversary in 2008.

Thousands of postcards were distributed by members of the Sikh community to highlight the importance of the Sikh identity. The postcards read:

'Around 80,000 Sikh troops fought in Belgium and France during World War I. More than one quarter of these soldiers became casualties. In the first battle of Ypres in Flanders in 1914 a platoon of Sikhs died fighting to the last man.'

'The people of a free Europe should never forget the contribution and bravery of Sikh soldiers during World War 1. Sikhs recognise their sacrifices as an important part of their modern history and their contribution for the freedom and liberation of Europe. This needs much greater exposure and proper recognition as part of the existing commemorations of the fallen.'

'During these challenging times the distinct Sikh identity and their tradition as fighters for freedom depicted by those courageous Sikh soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom should be promoted and celebrated across Europe. The visible Sikh identity is fundamental to the way of life and very existence of a Sikh and should be protected and given the highest respect by European governments and institutions.'

Representatives of the Sikh Federation (UK) were asked to prepare this report on behalf of Sikhs across Europe.

Gurjeet Singh

National Press Secretary

Sikh Federation (UK)

[Harmeet1]

Does anyone want me to record it for them?

[Techno_singh]

Does anyone want me to record it for them?

do it, theres always someone after couple weeks saying did anyone record this or that...

[Harmeet1]

Trying to but the Server keeps getting full. lol

I'm getting some of it though :lol:

[Nirvair S Khalsa]

Missed the start. Excellent discussion.