Category Archive: heritage

  1. Seize Anglo Sikh Heritage!

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    This month I want to inspire you all.  Yes YOU!

    For far too long work on the agenda of Anglo-Sikh heritage has been the bastion of politically motivated and ego-centric organisations.

    Such organisations use and abuse contacts and well-wishers, burn bridges with new and established talent and prevent others from leading on heritage awareness programmes.  I am thinking of one organisation in particular.

    Not any more.

    Through our Kickstarter campaign, the #WW1SikhMemorial has proved that good ideas will find support and funds to become a reality.

    That where there is a need to raise awareness and promote the history and heritage we are proud of, people and groups will band together to make something great happen.

    That’s how I feel about the memorial project.

    It was an idea I had in the back of my mind for a very long time.  Ever since I started making films under the “Sikhs At War” banner, uploading them for free usage as a resource on the websites I felt there was a need for a lasting legacy of Sikh remembrance.

    I watched with interest to see whether anyone would occupy the space devoid of a memorial and try to create something fantastic.  It didn’t happen.

    So earlier this year, when I decided that my own journey to narrate the WW1 Sikh story through online films was coming to an end, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to see left behind for future generations.

    It’s one that has inspired me – both as a Brit and as a Sikh.

    The old adage came to mind that: we shape buildings and in future buildings shape us (or words to that effect).

    With the centenary commemorations of the start of the Great War taking place, I was sure there would be some move to create a memorial.

    But nothing happened.

    That’s when I knew it was my duty to MAKE it happen.

    I looked to the social fundraising site Kickstarter to plan how to raise money from the grassroots to create a memorial.

    I thought that for a memorial to be not just successful but to stand the test of time, it needed to have mass support.  My belief became that it should be a monument funded by the many and not the few who could afford it.

    I filmed and put together a short video, nothing amazing, but one which told the important facts of what I wanted to do.

    I consulted a lot, in private, with individuals and groups.  Ascertained what the thoughts of Sikhs and non-Sikhs were about a national memorial.  And I put these ideas into a plan.

    Then I waited.  I waited for summer, then I waited for the world cup to be over.  Secretly, I wondered whether anyone else would gazump me by launching a Kickstarter campaign first.  I didn’t mind, this would after all create a lot of work for me at a time when I need to let go of responsibilities.

    Then came the planning for “Saragarhi day” which I created and organised and was a tremendous success.

    When was the best time to launch a campaign?  I thought long and hard…

    It wasn’t the summer and it wasn’t when people were pre-occupied with football.  So it had to be after.  And so I prepared the ground work of the project.  I budgeted the memorial.  I made connections with the proposed venue.  I consulted more Sikhs and non-Sikhs.  I wrote a proposal.  I met with business leaders and potential corporate donors.  I tried to partner with other Sikh groups (too much politics).

    Then came the time to launch … and with baited breath the campaign went live.

    You know that the #WW1SikhMemorial campaign was a huge success – but you probably don’t know why it was so.

    In a series of blogs this month I will aim to show you why it was – and in turn try and encourage you to seek such ways of empowerment to make your own projects happen.

    Seize the initiative!  Don’t allow the oldies and politics cloud your ability – if you believe it make it happen!  I believe there are many many more great initiatives out there, and I want to pass on what I have learnt so that more young people can create history and heritage.

    For now, and you’ve probably guessed what I’ve been trying to get to with this post; let me tell you that a successful campaign is about a good idea and preparation.

    If its not a good idea – which has wider appeal and realistic potential; and you don’t prepare the groundwork, then you will fail.  Either you won’t find the money or resources, or you will but the final outcome will be a flop.

    So think about what you want to create – be energetic and enthusiastic but ultimately be realistic.

    Plan it and plan some more … but ultimately think about what need their is out there.

    In part 2 I will shed light on the final outcome of the memorial project and what it can tell you about creating a wide support base.

  2. Empire, Faith and War: A Review

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    Fifteen years, half of my lifetime thus far, have passed since I attended an event that stands out in shaping my self-confidence as a British Sikh.  And in this review of the new exhibition “Empire, Faith and War” I must begin in the spring of 1999.

    It was the tercentenary of the birth of the Sikh brotherhood – the Khalsa; and as a teenager i was active with my schools Sikh society.  I thought it would be a great idea to visit with fellow students a new exhibition everyone in my community was talking about.  And so one Saturday with a teacher and a minibus eagerly arranged we embarked upon a trip from Birmingham to London.

    The exhibition we visited was the groundbreaking “Arts of the Sikh Kingdom” at the prestigious V&A.  It was the first time the jewels of the Sikh faith were on display and a rare event for a mainstream museum to be hosting a closer examination of the Sikhs.
    As a band of young impressionable men (I went to a boys grammar school) we were moved by the treasures and history we saw before our eyes.  I bought a copy of the inspirational “Warrior Saints” book with my pocket money, and it was from there that my desire to read and delve into Anglo-Sikh history and heritage began.

    Just like Amandeep Singh Madra and Parmjit Singh, who were featured in the BBC1 documentary series “The Sikhs” on Vaisakhi that year, I too wanted to write and research about Sikhs.  I’d like to think as a mainstream journalist (and one who has produced independent projects alongside organizations such as the Arts Council, as well as events in prestigious venues such as Parliament and RMA Sandhurst) that that visit and iconic book sparked my drive to tell the Sikh story to mainstream audiences. 

    These thoughts were at the forefront of my mind as I missed the launch of the “Empire Faith and War” exhibition in the Brunei Gallery at SOAS some weeks ago, due to a foreign work commitment.  But on Thursday at the regular late night opening of the exhibit I finally made a visit with my family.  And, to my secret delight, was given an introduction to the exhibition and project by the UKPHA Chairman Amandeep Singh Madra.

    It might be awkward, as a researcher, to look upon someone else’s hard work and efforts on the very subject you both work on.  But I felt no such discomfort, as what I found at the EFW exhibit, as an insider to the Sikh WW1 story, was yes familiar but nonetheless an immensely satisfying and highly produced revelation of the contribution of the Sikhs during the war effort.
    Knowing the world of history and heritage, and having had many online exchanges with Amandeep, I was immediately struck by the depth of research and imagery the UKPHA team had uncovered.  Many new images I had not seen before alongside new videos from the era.

    It is a testament to their hard work and continuous effort to delve, find, preserve and promote these treasures of knowledge which would otherwise be hidden or little understood.  And a sign of their dedication that since their work on the original “Warrior Saints” in 1999 the team has progressed to become, undoubtedly, the leaders in their field of researching and producing content on Anglo-Sikh history and heritage.  Bravo!

    The story of the WW1 Sikh contribution as told through the exhibit unfolds in a way that lends itself to fascination and interest – how could a minority community have paid such a heavy sacrifice during the war effort.  Being just 1% of the Indian population at the time (I had gone with 2% but will now look to reexamine the figure) the Sikhs made up a disproportionate amount – 20% – of the British Indian Army.
    The audience is taken on parallel journeys, quite literally with the early WW1 element running alongside another about the empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, to be given a fuller picture of how a community of warriors went from sworn enemies of the British to the staunchest of allies.  The splendid and abundant Toor Collection makes up the bulk of the physical heritage on display of that period, from an extremely rare coin of the first Sikh kingdom to the Maharajas sword and shield.  Yet it is the fascinating X-rays of the wounds Sikhs suffered during the war, graciously lent from the Royal Collection by Her Majesty, that one gets a truer sense of the scale of this exhibit – it is a phenomena in itself.  No stone has been left unturned in narrating how the Sikhs contributed to the First World War and how they and their families back at home were affected.  From the Western Front through to Mesopotamia via campaigns in Gallipoli, Jerusalem, East Africa… it all unravels to make sense of their sacrifice.

    The exhibition is a journey every person (Sikh or non, history enthusiast or not) should undertake as we mark the First World War and seek ways of better understanding the various elements of the conflict and the people involved in it.  In better understanding the Sikh story one get’s a real appreciation of how the community has got to where it has today, as crucial players in British society and economy.

    Visiting with my family was memorable – my 16 month old ran around looking at the sights (exclaiming her favourite phrase “oh wow” whenever she saw something she liked) and it presented an opportunity to enthuse upon our next generation the importance of our history.  I recommend others take their families too – and if you have any children or young relatives take them with you as it will no doubt shape their understanding and self-confidence as British Sikhs much in the same way the “Arts of the Sikh Kingdom” did for me when I was growing up.

    It is too easy to be critical of such hard works, the only doubt expressed in my mind about the experience was on overhearing a tour guide stating an incorrect fact (on the composition of the 36th Sikhs) as well as the hanging question mark I had about the practical ways the Sikh code of conduct was enacted by the soldiers – which in itself requires more research and reading.

    But I must offer this critique for balance – that the space for the exhibit does not do it justice.  I do not doubt that with a larger room better laid out the UKPHA team could fill it with more riches of our history and rather than offering what in places is a general introduction to elements of the Sikh effort (such as with the campaign outside of Europe) could present more depth.  Perhaps that is their intention or desire as they continue this project over the next few years.

    Finally, I so wanted to take something away with me – in the form of a book – of their research and images on the WW1 Sikhs and the behind-the-scenes story of how they made such a wonderful exhibition happen.  Perhaps this is something they are working on – I’d love to buy it.  There were books on sale, but some of these have been a turn-off for me because of the connection they’ve had with the sanatanist Nidar Singh.  Though that should not in any way impact upon the view of UKPHA as the pioneers of bringing Anglo-Sikh heritage to the masses.

    I do not doubt that, like me many years ago, there are many many more young impressionable men and women out there yearning for this power of knowledge – who inspired by such national events will progress the cause of the British Sikh community.  They should see this exhibition and be proud of their communities heroism during the war – and of the awesome work of UKPHA in keeping their story alive.

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    ‘Empire, Faith & War’ is a project of the UK Punjab Heritage Association (UKPHA) and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). 

    Learn more here: www.empirefaithwar.com and follow them on Twitter via @gt1588

  3. Watch Now: “Sikhs At Sandhurst” HD

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    This time last summer, my filmmaker colleague Juggy* and I walked through the corridors of Royal Military Academy, to discover the hidden history of “Sikhs at Sandhurst”.

    Being given rare access to film around the site was a tremendous honour- and on a hot English day we were duly rewarded for our efforts in capturing our glorious past with remarkable insight into the place where British (and Commonwealth) officers come to train.

    It’s a place that has a phenomenally strong Sikh presence- yet it’s largely unknown to those outside of the military community.  As a reservist I’ve always been in awe of the glorious ways in which Sikhs are celebrated at Sandhurst, but many Indians might not appreciate it’s sentiment or meaning without being prompted.

    So we’ve made a film to highlight the Sikh story at this fine military institution – and crucially to provide a broader understanding of the Sikh presence there and what it means today.

    It’s our latest production from the “Sikhs At War” series of online films we make to raise awareness of our history and heritage.

    In the film you will particularly discover:
    – Why Queen Victoria gave special permission to the son of the last ruler of the Punjab to attend the academy
    – Why the British deployed Sikhs in large numbers to unruly Afghanistan
    – How the British chose to remember the Sikh bravery and heroics with a special stained glass window
    – How British-Sikh history continues to inspire current generations to serve their country

    “Sikhs At Sandhurst” is available to watch in HD widescreen below or here.

    Sikhs have a unique and fascinating story of interaction with the British, something that as a third generation British Sikh I am very proud of and want to ensure people from all backgrounds appreciate too.

    This interaction began with the Anglo-Sikh wars, which saw the British conquer the Punjab after two bloody wars which they nearly lost.  The fall of the Sikh empire was a tragic loss, but rather than remain enemies the Sikhs served the British and soon became the most trusted of allies.

    This swift transition laid the foundations for the valiant contribution of the Sikhs on the frontier and during the World Wars, which we will be exploring as we head into the conflicts centenary.

    We will soon bring you an update on how we intend to launch this film – and give it the international media publicity it deserves.  We will also be showcasing it worldwide at film festivals and presentations.

    Until then – do watch and enjoy the film and do continue to visit and support all our channels and social media networks:


    Twitter: @DotHyphen
    Facebook: DotHyphenProductions
    Youtube: DotHyphenProductions / DotHyphenPublishers

    * Final thought: a special thanks to Juggy Singh Rehnsi, my creative director (left), who has stood by this project and it’s aims and aspirations through the technical difficulties we encountered in bringing you this story.

    This film should have been released earlier than it has.  Not to bore you with details, but quality productions are very important to us.  So is being innovative and working with the limited resources we have to make films that do justice the story of Sikh bravery and heroism.

    It is my hope that while we continue to use our expertise and passion for British Sikh history to bring you such productions, we also have your support in making them happen.

    If you would like to contribute by funding or sponsoring a production please do email us directly.