New Delhi, April 30
Mizoram Governor General V.K.Singh paid tributes to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I, highlighting that a soldier does not fight for reward, but for duty, honour, and the belief that his sacrifice will serve the nation.
He was speaking at a symposium held at the Delhi Assembly to mark the 108th anniversary of the War Conference (Yudh-Sammelan) held in the building during the colonial era.
The theme of the Symposium was "Pratham Vishvayudh aur Bharat". The Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijender Gupta, presided over the programme.
Speaking on the legacy of Indian soldiers, General Singh reflected on the immense yet often under-recognised contribution of Indian troops in global conflicts.
He noted that over 1.3 million Indian soldiers participated in World War I, with nearly 74,000 laying down their lives, whose names are commemorated at India Gate.
He emphasised that these sacrifices went beyond manpower, encompassing financial support, logistics, and resources, highlighting India's significant role despite being under colonial rule.
He pointed out that the traditions of remembrance in the Commonwealth of Nations reflect the global respect accorded to these soldiers, even if their contributions have not always received due recognition within India.
A Commemorative Book, "Proceedings of the War Conference held at Delhi 27th-29th April 1918" was released by General Singh. Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smriti Vijay Goel, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly Mohan Singh Bisht, and a Delegation of Ex-Service Men, Historians, Professors of DU, and Lecturers of Delhi Govt Schools were also present at the event.
The Mizoram Governor underlined that Indian soldiers did not fight World War I with a "slave mentality," but with a deep sense of duty and honour, drawing inspiration from the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita.
He stated that soldiers fought not for personal gain, but for the honour of their units and the hope that their efforts would benefit the nation.
Citing examples from the Sino-Indian War, he highlighted the extraordinary resilience of Indian troops who continued to fight despite severe shortages of equipment and resources.
He also recalled acts of exceptional bravery during World War I, including recipients of the Victoria Cross such as Khudadad Khan, noting that these honours stand as testimony to the courage and determination of Indian soldiers across regions.
Highlighting India's global military legacy, the Governor pointed to the role of Indian forces in theatres such as Europe, East Africa, and the Middle East, including the historic liberation of Haifa, commemorated at Teen Murti Haifa Chowk.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Gupta underscored that the 1918 conference reflected both trust and betrayal, as India extended full support to the British during World War I in the hope of attaining self-governance.
He noted that Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, had encouraged recruitment, believing that cooperation would pave the way for freedom. However, instead of reforms, India witnessed the imposition of the Rowlatt Act and the tragedy of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
He highlighted that nearly 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in the war across regions such as France, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, and East Africa, with over 74,000 making the ultimate sacrifice on foreign soil.
Announcing the release of the proceedings of the 1918 War Conference in collaboration with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, he stressed the importance of historical documentation for future generations.
- IANS
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