Punjab Newsline | Amritsar

The 129th anniversary of the historic Battle of Saragarhi was commemorated at the memorial of the 21 Saragarhi martyrs at Amritsar’s Golden Gate, where a special tribute programme was organised to honour their sacrifice. The event was organised by the Saragarhi Foundation under the leadership of its chief, Gurinder Pal Singh Josan, who travelled from the United States to attend the programme.

Amritsar Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia attended the event as the chief guest. Members of the Saragarhi Foundation, along with Mangal Singh Kishanpuri, Director of St Soldier Elite Convent School, Jandiala Guru, also participated in the programme. Cadets of the school’s NCC wing paid tribute to the 21 martyrs. Students also presented Gurbani kirtan and a patriotic song. The programme concluded with the national anthem.

Speaking to reporters, Gurinder Pal Singh Josan spoke about his research into the lives and families of the 21 Saragarhi martyrs. He said he had traced the families of the soldiers and commissioned their portraits based on historical descriptions, with the aim of ensuring that their sacrifice and legacy receive wider recognition across the world.

Josan also raised concerns over what he described as inadequate efforts by institutions and governments to preserve and promote the history of Saragarhi. He said that around four years ago, he had submitted a research-based draft to the Chief Khalsa Diwan for inclusion in the curriculum for Classes 4 and 8. He was assured that the material would be incorporated into the school syllabus.

However, Josan said that when he followed up last year, he learned that the research draft had been handed over to religious figures associated with a Kar Sewa organisation. He expressed disappointment that despite four years having passed, the research had still not been published. He stressed that the research was carried out by him and that the Chief Khalsa Diwan, which he described as a prominent Sikh educational institution, had not yet published it.

Josan also highlighted efforts to preserve Sikh history beyond Punjab. He referred to the museum dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s general Hari Singh Nalwa that was established in Pakistan in January 2026, where a statue was installed and the facility was inaugurated by ministers and officials.

He also spoke about his efforts to document places associated with Guru Nanak Sahib’s Udasis, saying Nishan Sahib flags had been installed at sites in Azerbaijan, Iraq and other regions associated with the Guru’s travels.

Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia said Punjabis had always come forward whenever there was a need to contribute to struggles and causes in India and around the world. Recalling the Battle of Saragarhi, he said the 21 soldiers fought with limited weapons and ammunition against a much larger tribal force before laying down their lives.

Bhatia praised Josan’s efforts to document the martyrs and their families and said the initiative had helped people around the world learn about the 21 Saragarhi soldiers and their families. He also stressed the need for proper maintenance of the Golden Gate memorial and assured that the Amritsar administration would pay special attention to its upkeep.

Mangal Singh Kishanpuri said his institution consistently worked to connect students with Punjab’s history. He said that after receiving an invitation from Josan, he and his team participated in the commemoration and appreciated his efforts to preserve the history and legacy of the Saragarhi martyrs.