The Battle of Saragarhi is one of eight stories of collective bravery published by UNESCO.
Chandigarh, September 7, 2023: The 126th anniversary of the epic Battle of Saragarhi, is being commemorated in New York by the Consulate General of India and the Saragarhi Foundation. In Battle of Saragarhi, 21 Sikh soldiers made their last stand against thousands of Pathans in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Fought on September 12, 1897, in the Tirah region of NWFP, then part of British India, the battle is one of eight stories of collective bravery published by UNESCO.
According to the news published in The Tribune, thea events planned for the occasion include screening of a short video on the battle, remarks by five members of the ‘Saragarhi Regiment’, including a Singh member of the US Army and address by the Consul General as well as military historians, according to Dr GS Josan, chairman of the foundation.
According to historical excerpts, a detachment of 21 soldiers from 36 Sikh, now 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, while holding a small fortress atop Samana ridge, had made their last stand against 10,000 Pathan tribesmen. Some military historians also claim that there was a 22nd man, a non-combatant who also died in the fight and also that there were a lesser number of attackers than originally cited.
Despite overwhelming odds, the soldiers held off repeated enemy attacks on the fortress. The tribesmen finally set fire to the bushes and shrubs surrounding the post and under the cover of smoke managed to breach the wall. This was followed by fierce hand-to-hand combat.
When the British Parliament heard of the battle, they stood in unison to give an ovation to the defenders of Saragarhi. The story of the heroic deeds of these men was also placed before Queen Victoria. The account was received all over the world with awe and admiration.
Unparalleled zeal, courage
Fought on September 12, 1897, the battle is one of eight stories of collective bravery published by UNESCO. In the battle, 21 Sikh soldiers were up against approximately 10,000 – 14,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribes of the Pashtun. All 21 soldiers involved in the battle were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit.
