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aristotle

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May 10, 2010
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Ancient Greece
September 12 is celebrated every year around the world as Saragarhi Day by all the battalions of the elite Sikh Regiment. UNESCO has recognized this battle as one of the eight great battles of the world known for collective bravery.

On receiving the news shortly after the Battle in 1897, it is reported that the British Parliament interrupted its proceedings and gave a standing ovation to the Saragarhi Braves. Each hero was awarded an Order of Merit (IOM), the highest award given to an Indian soldier in the British Indian Army for valour and sacrifice. Altogether, 21 IOMs were awarded in one day, a record in itself. The battle of Saragarhi gave rise to the slogan: Last man, last round!

Every year, Sikhs in Punjab's Ferozepur District mark Saragarhi Day to remember the unparalleled valour demonstrated by 21 Sikh soldiers on September 12, 1897 while participating in the battle of Saragarhi against a 10,000-strong enemy force.

The Sikh soldiers of the 4th Battalion (then, the 36th Sikhs) of the Sikh Regiment of British India were sent to defend Fort Lockhart at Saragarhi Post, in North West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan). Some 10,000 tribesmen had attacked the Saragarhi Post. The battle lasted over six hours and, one by one, the defenders fell while trying to protect their post, but they did not surrender.

The day marking the epic battle is observed each year around the world as "Saragarhi Day".

The Gurdwara, named the Saragarhi Memorial, in Ferozepur stands today as a protected monument and is a tribute to those Sikh soldiers who sacrificed their lives. The memorial gurdwara, surrounded by half-a-dozen small and big cannons and with the names of the 21 brave soldiers inscribed on its walls, was built by the army with stones from the Saragarhi post. It was declared open in 1904 by Sir Charles Revz. The Saragarhi Memorial is an inspiration to all as a symbol of courage and bravery.

(Source: http://www.sikhchic.com/article-detail.php?cat=23&id=597)
 

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