Sikh Heritage in Other Countries

World Sikh Shaheed Military Yaadgari Committee, Italy

When some young Sikhs living in Italy thought of commemorating the Sikh soldiers of World War II who had fought at Forli for the people of Italy, they planned to make an organisation to work for this laudable object. They started with organising a big programme every year for memory of those Sikh soldiers in which apart from Akhand Path, Kirtan, the Exhibition of Sikh soldiers was also organised. It was during these functions that they started distributing literature about Sikhs, their religion and the bravery shown by the Sikh soldiers. First such function was organised in August 2006 and since then, it has become an annual feature. Sikhs from different part of Italy including many Gurdwara’s Committee organize Buses for the Sangat to attend and many Italian local people including Military officials, Mayors, Town Hall officials, Ministers are participating every year to commemorate the Sikh soldiers who died for the freedom of mankind in Italy. Service is provided by all the Gurdwaras of Italy, especially from the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Novellara R.E. and many others.
This organisation became well known when they played a leading role to establish a Sikh Monument at Forli on 13 August 2011. After that, the second such monument was established at Marradi in 2013, the third at Menovellara in 2014, another monument in 2014 at Faenza, next one at Florence on 10 August 2016 and the last at Mercato, Saraceno on 4 September 2016. It was again a proud moment for the Sikhs when the 8th Sikh Soldier Memorial of World War II was inaugurated in the city of Palazzuolo, Sul, Senio, in Florence province of Italy. General Carlo Lamanna of the Italian Army inaugurated this monument on 17 September 2017 at the Municipality Square of the city. The organisation really deserves congratulations for making the Sikh people proud everywhere on the immortalization of The Sikh valour as displayed by them during World War II by creating their monuments at different places in Italy. The organisation has a few enthusiastic members like S. Harvinder Singh, S. Prithipal Singh, S. Sewa Singh Fauji, S. Satnam Singh, S. Jatinder Singh Banka, S. Karamjit Singh Dhilon, S. Gurmel Singh Bhatti, Baba Darbara Singh Ji and S. Ravinder Singh Bhau. The contact numbers of the the two office bearers are as follow. S. Pritpal Singh – 00393703018609 and S. Satnam Singh – 00393332110444.

Sikh Heritage in Other Countries

When we talk of heritage in USA, apart from the interesting history of Gurdwaras built there from time to time (for details, see Chapter 4), we are reminded of The Smith Sonian’s National Museum of Natural History, which had organised for the first time in 2004 an exhibition entitled Sikhs – A Legacy of the Punjab. Over subsequent years, the specific objects on view were changed or “rotated” over time, first at the Smithsonian through 2007 then at other museums, as the exhibition revealed and its size and the number of artworks displayed expanded. At each location the exhibitor and its transformation became the subject of extensive community involvement and co-curatorship. The exhibition contains over 100 items from Sikh history and culture, including some artefacts that date back to the 18th century, many of which have been a part of private collections and have never been publicly viewed before. In addition, the exhibit contains photographs (two of them by Sikh historian and photographer Sandeep Singh Brar) that prominently highlight Darbar Sahib and a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib from World War-I. Since then the exhibition has remained very popular and has moved to various places in North America. Looking at this popularity, a publication was brought out giving details of the content of this exhibition. This book uses the exhibitions organisational structure and content to present a brief, richly illustrated introduction to the Sikhs and their faith, history and art. Sikh Heritage Foundation has played an important role in developing the concept and getting the publication brought out.

Sikh Heritage Foundation

The Sikh Heritage Foundation was founded in 2000 by a group of Sikh-Americans concerned with preserving Sikh Heritage and presenting it to American audience, both Sikhs and non-Sikhs. The Foundation maintains its commitment to promoting Sikh heritage through activities in America and around the world. It is a forum for social, cultural, artistic empowerment. It is a registered 501-3C non-profit organisation. Since its first project to assist the Smithsonian Institution’s project, it has been engaged in collaborating with various institutions for microfilming of endangered manuscripts in India and Pakistan and the production of illustrated catalogues of collections in India and abroad. For any other information, Dr. Amrik Singh Chattha may be approached as per the details that follow: Sikh Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 7655, Washington D.C. 20044-7655, Phone : 304-723-4260, Email : achattha@comcast.net.

Punjabi American Heritage Society

Another organisation doing work in the field of preservation of Sikh heritage in USA is Punjabi American Heritage Society based in Yuba City. It was co-founded by Dr. Jasbir Singh (Contact No. 530-674-2434) in 1993 to bring awareness among local American people including American born Punjabis about Punjabi culture. They organise Punjabi festivals, fairs and other functions. An annual festival in the Yuba Sutter area is being hosted every year since 1995. In 2018 it was organised on 27 May at Yuba Sutter fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Ave. various artists were invited for the entertainment of the people. Other programmes included Bhangra, Giddha, comedy skits and documentaries about Punjab and Punjabiat.

This organisation has also opened ‘becoming American exhibits at the Sutter Community Memorial Museum in Yuba City’. This exhibit is very valuable as it gives the story of pioneer Punjabis and south Asians settling here. The organisation also engages itself in charity works. For example, during the earthquake in Haiti, this organisation donated $2500 to help the victims. This society celebrated its 25th Anniversary in May this year. It was also instrumental in getting a resolution passed by the California State Assembly to declare the month of November as Sikh appreciation and awareness month in California. Its contact details are address PO Box 621 Yuba City CA95992, Phone No.: 5307544926.

The role of Sikh Exhibitions – Baruni Gallery of London School Exhibition

The exhibitions organized in different countries to showcase the Sikh heritage have also played a significant role in the process of preservation. A few famous exhibitions organized in these countries are mentioned hereunder.
A Sikh exhibition was organized this year (2018) in the m/o July at Baruni Gallery of London School. In this exhibition hundreds of rare items associated with Khalsa Raj of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were displayed. S. Amandeep Singh Madara, Chairman, Punjab Heritage Association stated that a large number of things have been displayed for the first time by the courtesy of individual collectors. Many ornaments including the arm tier of Kohinoor (taken from the personal collection of the Queen) were also showcased. The ear rings of Maharani Jindan were also displayed by UK Singh Davinder Singh Toor who had purchased it from auction by paying 1.82 lakh pounds (1.69 crore rupees). Other things included a painting of Maharani Mehtab Kaur, Steel and Golden Sword of the Maharaja and a world map with the title Lions of Firangi to show as which were the countries from where people were employed by the Maharaja. Such 73 foreigners from Russia, Italy, Spain, France, Urashia, America, Anglodutch, Angro Indian Greek, German and Irish are identified. Research is going on for 11 more people.

Saints and Kings Exhibition

An exhibition on Art, Culture and Legacy of the Sikhs known as Saints and Kings was launched at Asian Art Museum, San Francisco in 2017 with a view to explore the artistic and cultural creativity that flourished under the patronage of India’s Sikh kingdoms, established in the 1800s by the dynamic warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), which was continued by later Sikh rulers. Portraits and treasured objects belonging to the Maharaja himself were included in the exhibition. In particular, the portraits reflected expression of personal and cultural identity, as well as the artistic styles of the times and places in which they were made. Saints and kings also draws attention to the Sikhs’ special connection to California. Among the earliest Indian immigrants to North America, Sikhs arrived on the West Coast in the early 1900s and have been integral to communities here for over a century. Today, many occupy leading roles in technology and other business sectors. Through an illustrated timeline, the exhibition tells an important story that has shaped the Bay Area’s diverse social and immigrant history.

Sikh Exhibition at Stirun Gallery

Sikh Foundation of Newzealand organized a Sikh Exhibition at Stirun Gallery of Addison Road, Community Centre in Sydney from 21st to 26th April titled as ‘Duty, Honour Country’. A photographic exhibition of Sikh military history showcasing rare photos and memorabilia from World War I and II was organized in Sydney’s stir up in April this year ahead of Anzac Day. The exhibition presented by the National Sikh Council of Australia showcased over 200 historical pictures documenting the journey and role of Sikh troops from the late 18th century till the end of World War II in 1945. Titled ‘Duty, Honour, Country’- the display will include a collection of black and white photographs and artefacts of Sikh soldiers who served in Malaya, Singapore, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Korea, the Middle East Africa and Europe. The curator of this exhibition is Harchand Singh Bedi who told SBS Punjabi that most of the photographs are from the archives of the Imperial War Museum in Elephant and Castle, London. S. Bawa Singh Jagdev Secretary of the National Sikh Council of Australia stated that our younger generation must be shown such exhibitions as to make them aware of the contribution of Sikhs in War history.

Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada

In Canada also some institutions and organisations are working for the preservation of Sikh heritage and culture. One of the most notable institutes in this regard is the ‘Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada’. This Museum contains various articles and documents including a collection of tape-recording of early Sikh settlers in Canada, which narrate the history of Sikhs in this country. Pradeep Singh Nagra is the Executive Director of this Museum situated in Malton, who works with his team not only to increase the rare collections but also to explain to the people as how the Sikhs came into contact with this country and how did they progress in various fields. Nagra stresses the importance of highlighting Sikh-Canadian history, as many Canadians are obscured to the community’s legacy. “Sometimes the stories we’re told come from a Eurocentric lens,” Nagra said. “How many people have seen images of Canadians with turbans serving in the First World War? How many times have you seen images of railway workers with turbans?” “How many people know that Lester B. Pearson’s best friend was Sikh fighter pilot Hardit Singh Malik.” Keeping in consideration the significance of this heritage museum, the Government of Canada recently decided to provide $3,80,000 for the expansion of its activities. It was stated that this funding is being provided through the Canada History Fund, administered by Canadian Heritage. The Canada History Fund encourages Canadians to learn about this country’s history, civics and public policy. The Fund supports the production of learning materials and the creation or maintenance of networks. The museum management added that with these funds they will create a Canadian Sikh Heritage Trail and a travelling Canadian Timeline Exhibition, along with a web portal
and interactive mobile application showcasing facts, figures and personalities that have shaped the civic life of Canada.

The project will allow current and future generations of Canadians to learn more about the struggles, sacrifices and successes of Sikhs in Canada. In September 2018 the Heritage Museum opened an Exhibition in which three exhibits were showcased. These were a Timeline of Sikh and Canada dating back to 1890, Sikh Suffragette Princess Sophia Duleep Singh and Sikh Flying ace Hardit Singh Malik, who flew with Lester B. Pearson. This Museum is dedicated to advancing and promoting knowledge, understanding and preservation of the cultural and religious heritage of our people – through top quality Museum exhibits, lectures and special programmes. The contact details of the Heritage Museum are, address 980 Drew Road, Unit 125, Mississauga.

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