The Leicester Sikh Troops War Memorial is a bronze statue unveiled in Victoria Park, Leicester, on 30 October 2022, honouring Sikh soldiers who served in the British Indian Army and fought in multiple campaigns from the 19th century through the two World Wars
The memorial stands in Victoria Park, near the University of
Leicester and opposite De Montfort Hall, forming part of the park’s Centenary
Walk that leads to the Arch of Remembrance and other war memorials. It is
clearly visible to visitors and complements the existing memorials in the park.
The statue commemorates Sikh soldiers who served in the
British Indian Army and fought in numerous campaigns, including the Anglo-Sikh
Wars (1845–1849), World War I (1914–1918), and World War II (1939–1945).
At the outbreak of WWI, Sikhs made up about 22% of the Indian Army’s 161,000
troops, despite being less than 2% of India’s population. Many earned the Victoria
Cross and Indian Order of Merit for their service.
The memorial is a bronze statue of a Sikh soldier on a
granite plinth, created by artist Taranjit Singh (Taran3d). It was commissioned
by the Sikh Troops War Memorial Committee, funded through donations from Sikh
congregations, the public, and Leicester City Council.
The unveiling on 30 October 2022, which I was proud to
attend, featured speeches from Leicester’s Mayor, Deputy Mayor, military
officials, and community leaders, followed by a ceremonial parade led by the Panj
Pyare (Five Beloveds) Sikhs, motorbikers, a bagpiper, schoolchildren, and other
groups. The event was attended by local councillors, MPs, and members of the
Sikh community from across the UK.
